The next Congress will prioritize passing presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s legislative agenda, including COVID-19 economic stimulus and relief, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said on Thursday.

Romualdez, who is the frontrunner for the speakership post in the 19th Congress, said they are considering the passage of a Bayanihan-type legislation to be called Bayan Bangon Muli (BBM).

“It was [presumptive] President Marcos’ initials, BBM or Bayan Bangon Muli bill stimulus package that will allow the incoming President to harness the resources available during the closing period of 2022 and [pass] measures that are needed for the pandemic, hopefully, endemic stage of this COVID.” Romualdez said.

“We are trying to ensure that the priority legislation of the incoming President, President-elect BBM will be aided and supported with measures that will allow him to pursue his agenda for the people,” he added.

He said Congress is also planning to pass a bill that would reset the upcoming December barangay elections to save PHP 8 billion which will be allocated for pandemic recovery.

On Thursday, the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) announced they are supporting Romualdez for the speakership post.

In response, Romualdez said “I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to my colleagues. Your gesture today (Thursday) will strengthen our efforts to unify the House and the people we all represent behind the incoming administration of presumptive President Bongbong Marcos”.

Romualdez has also received endorsements from Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

His supporters now comprise an overwhelming majority in the incoming lower house of Congress.