REELECTED Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the United States (US), describing it as both a strategic diplomatic engagement and a deeply practical mission for the welfare of every Filipino.
“We fully support the President’s mission,” Rep. Romualdez, the Speaker of the 19th Congress, said. “Sa gitna ng mga hamon sa ating ekonomiya at seguridad, napakahalaga ng matibay at patas na ugnayan sa mga kaalyado nating bansa. Ang layunin ng Pangulo ay malinaw—masigurong may trabaho, pagkain, at kapayapaan para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.”
Rep. Romualdez said the visit comes at a critical moment, with new US tariffs on key Philippine exports set to take effect on August 1, threatening jobs and industries at home.
“If the President can secure even a pathway toward tariff relief or a fairer trade deal, we in Congress are ready to do our part. Maghahain kami ng mga panukalang batas na makakatulong sa ating mga magsasaka, manggagawa, at negosyante para mas umangat ang kabuhayan ng bayan,” he said.
Rep. Romualdez also lauded the President’s effort to attract more investments to the Philippines, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure—sectors that will create thousands of jobs and uplift more Filipinos from poverty.
“Ang mga pangakong dala ng pamumuhunan ay hindi lang para sa malalaking negosyo. Ito ay para sa mga kabataang naghahanap ng trabaho, para sa mga pamilyang umaasang may mas magandang bukas,” Rep. Romualdez said.
He stressed that economic diplomacy must be matched by a robust defense cooperation with long-time allies, especially as Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea continue.
“Our national defense is not just a geopolitical issue—it’s about protecting our fishermen, securing our food supply, and asserting the dignity of every Filipino family who calls the sea their home,” Rep. Romualdez explained.
The Leyte House leader welcomed reports that President Marcos is pursuing a bilateral trade arrangement with the US, saying such agreements must be grounded in fairness and mutual respect.
“This is where visionary leadership matters,” Rep. Romualdez said. “Hindi ito usapin ng pulitika kundi ng kinabukasan. We need a seat at the table—not as a junior partner, but as a trusted and equal ally.”
He said the House is prepared to enact enabling legislation that ensures any commitments made abroad translate to benefits felt by Filipinos at home.
“As the President builds bridges across borders, our role in Congress is to build ladders of opportunity here at home,” Rep. Romualdez said. “We dream of a Philippines that competes with the world, but never forgets the needs of the ordinary Filipino. That is the vision we share—a leadership that thinks globally, but acts with a heart for our people.”
