In a major reorganization to boost legislative efficiency, the House of Representatives on Tuesday elected new leaders to several powerhouse committees, including Appropriations, Rules, and the Quad Committee cluster.
The sweeping changes come as Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez readies the chamber for the 2026 national budget and critical inquiries on public accountability.
Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela “Mika” Suansing, a Harvard graduate and rising voice among the House Young Guns, now heads the Committee on Appropriations.
“This panel shapes the lifeblood of government. Rep. Suansing’s appointment reflects our trust in the next generation,” said Speaker Romualdez.
Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia was named senior vice chair.
The Appropriations Committee is expected to lead the House review of the Executive’s 2026 budget proposal, anticipated to be submitted in August.
Romualdez has pushed for greater transparency in budget processes, including opening bicameral committee hearings to public and civil society observers.
Meanwhile, the influential Quad Committee—which links the panels on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—saw fresh leadership.
Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores now leads the Dangerous Drugs panel. Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano takes over Public Order and Safety. Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. retains the Human Rights chairmanship. The post for Public Accounts remains vacant as of press time.
In tax and revenue affairs, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo was elected chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, with Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. as vice chair.
The House also named Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan to head the Public Information panel, while Rep. Joel Chua retained his role in Good Government and Public Accountability.
To reinforce floor management, Rep. Lorenz Defensor was elected senior deputy majority leader, supporting Majority Leader and Rules Chair Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos.
Speaker Romualdez also swore in new deputy speakers, majority and assistant majority leaders, further cementing the chamber’s working leadership for the remainder of the 20th Congress.
