Speaker happy with ratings, vows to work harder

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed to work harder as he was elated by the latest survey showing that he, along with President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte and other high officials in government, enjoys the people’s high approval rating.

“It is heartening to know that a majority of our people appreciate our earnest effort to pass measures to create jobs and business opportunities, provide assistance to the poor, and build a better future for all Filipinos,” the leader of the House of Representatives said.

“As a token of our gratitude, we will work even harder to pass the pending bills to advance the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of President Marcos designed to uplift the lives of our people,” the administration stalwart added.

Under the Ulat ng Bayan nationwide survey of Pulse Asia, conducted from March 15 to 19 this year, Marcos, Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Romualdez registered a majority approval rating.

The Speaker specifically received a 51 percent approval rating for his performance.

Administration lawmakers Reps. Sonny Lagon and Salvador Pleyto Sr. credited Romualdez’s high ratings to his management style, where he is considered “hands-on” as he supervises the daily affairs of the lower legislative chamber.

“No one among the members of House can deny his energetic way of conducting business in the chamber, especially when it comes to passing important pieces of legislation,” Lagon, who represents Ako Bisaya party-list, remarked.

Pleyto, of Bulacan’s sixth district, observed the Speaker’s “dedication,” where he sees to it that priority bills are scrutinized and eventually passed. “He’s been very busy since the 19th Congress convened. And everyone can see his devotion to his duty.”

In a statement, Romualdez said the latest survey results are a “testament to the hard work and dedication of our legislators in serving the Filipino people during these challenging times.”

“As House leader, I am deeply honored, humbled, and grateful to Filipino people for their trust and confidence in the House of Representatives,” the congressman of Leyte’s first district added.

The Pulse Asia survey results came out barely a week after the April 6 release of the Social Weather Stations Fourth Quarter 2022 survey, conducted from Dec. 10 to 14 last year, where the House received a “very good” or +56 net satisfaction rating.