Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Wednesday said the House of Representatives demonstrated during the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress that meaningful reforms can be achieved when lawmakers prioritize public service over politics and remain focused on the needs of the Filipino people.

Closing the first regular session, Dy said unity within the institution enabled lawmakers to advance major reforms despite differences in political views and backgrounds.

“Mga kasama, kapag malinaw ang direksyon ng pamumuno, kapag nagkakaisa ang institusyon, at kapag trabaho ang inuuna kaysa ano pa man — kahit magkaiba ang ating mga pananaw at ang ating mga paninindigan—alam ko po na ang tanging hangarin nating lahat ay mabigyan ng pag-asa, oportunidad, at mas maayos na kinabukasan ang bawat Pilipino (My colleagues, when the direction of the leadership is clear, when the institution stands united, and when duty is prioritized above all else – even if we have different views and perspective – I know that our only goal is to give hope, opportunity, and a better future every Filipino),” Dy said.

The Speaker from Isabela said the House’s accomplishments were driven by a shared commitment to put the interests of the Filipino people first through unity and cooperation among lawmakers.

“Sama-sama nating isinulong ang kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ito po ang produkto ng ating masiglang diskusyon, deliberasyon, at pagtutulungan na naghatid ng mabuti at makabuluhang resulta. Lahat po ng ito ay ginawa natin sa ngalan ng transparency and accountability sa ating mga kababayan (Together, we advanced the welfare of the Filipino people. This is the product of our lively discussions, deliberations, and cooperation that delivered good and meaningful results. We did all of these in the name of transparency and accountability to our countrymen).”

Dy, however, acknowledged that many Filipinos continue to look for proof that government institutions are serious about delivering change, saying that rebuilding public trust remains a continuing challenge.

“Hindi man po kami perpektong institusyon, subalit araw-araw po naming pinagsisikapan pagbutihin ang aming mga tungkulin. Sapagkat gaya nga ng sinabi ko noon (We may not be a perfect institution, but we strive to improve out duties every day. Because like what I said then): Trust is not demanded. It is earned.”

Dy likewise acknowledged that restoring public confidence in Congress remains a continuing challenge, emphasizing that trust cannot be won through words alone.

“Hindi sapat ang mga pahayag, press conferences, o mga pangakong walang laman (Statements, press conferences, or empty promises are not enough). We need to show concrete solutions in the form of laws that generate economic opportunities, strengthen our institutions, protect our most vulnerable sectors, and ultimately raise the quality of life of every Filipino family.”

‘Bagong Kongreso’

Despite the many challenges confronting the country, Dy said the House of Representatives has emerged as a more focused, productive, and reform-oriented institution, highlighting major legislative accomplishments and a renewed commitment to earning the trust of the Filipino people.

He noted that the House has already passed more than 160 measures and transmitted them to the Senate, while half of the 52 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures have been approved on third reading.

These include major reforms such as the National Land Use Act, Digital Payments Act, strengthening of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the proposed Department of Water Resources, as well as measures on political reform, transparency, online safety, and disinformation.

“Because of the measures we have advanced, government services can become faster and more transparent; long-delayed political reforms will finally move forward; the internet will be safer for our countrymen, especially our children; our institutions will become more responsive to the needs of the people; quality, accessible education will become a reality for our youth; and positive strides will be made toward building an economy that is not only dynamic and future-ready, but one that genuinely improves the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” Dy said.

The Speaker said the chamber’s accomplishments were the result of sustained work not only during plenary sessions but also through committee hearings, consultations, technical working groups, and legislative deliberations. (PNA)