Top political party leaders in the House of Representatives met on Friday to discuss preparations for the 20th Congress, focusing on committee assignments and confirming their support for incumbent Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The meeting came a day after the Commission on Elections wrapped up the national canvassing for Eleksyon 2025. House Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, who secured another term as Quezon’s 2nd district representative, stressed the urgency of organizing the 315-member chamber ahead of its July 1 opening.
“We have three years and a lot of work to do. Committee assignments are a major concern,” Suarez said.
With more than 100 members in the upcoming Congress, the Lakas-CMD party, led by Romualdez, remains the dominant majority bloc. Suarez emphasized their unanimous support for Romualdez, describing the continuity of leadership as a priority.
Asked about potential challengers for the speakership, Suarez said none have emerged. “I don’t think there will be any change in House leadership,” he added.
Other legislators echoed this sentiment. Rep. Mark Enverga (Quezon 1st District) of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and Rep. Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo 3rd District) of the National Unity Party both said they had heard no credible talk of leadership changes and reaffirmed their support for Romualdez.