Now the second largest political bloc in the House of Representatives, the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. is demanding “respect” as co-equal to district congressmen and elected 1Pacman party-list Rep. Michael “Mikee” Romero to achieve this.
With Romero at the helm of the PCFI, party-list congressmen were swiftly assured of a larger role in legislative operations in the House by no less than the frontrunning candidate for the speakership who introduced themselves to the organization the other day.
“The party-list coalition bloc comprises 20 percent (of House membership), we are asking, of course for 20 percent of the positions. Everything should be proportional share, we believe this is fair because we represent 30 million Filipinos who voted during the last election,” said the 47-year-old Romero, holder of two doctorate degrees and a successful businessman.
Romero is the vice chairman of the House Committees on Housing and Urban Development and on Sports and Youth Development. He has also been elected as vice chairman of the Special Committee on East ASEAN Growth Area in the 17th Congress.
Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (PDP-Laban, Marinduque) and returning Reps. Alan Peter Cayetano (NP, Taguig City) and Martin Romualdez (Lakas, Leyte) acknowledged the issue raised by party-list group of being treated as “second-class citizens” in the House.
All three assured assured Romero and the 49 representatives of proclaimed party-list organizations that all will be treated equally and with utmost respect as House members.
Romero said former House Speaker and re-elected Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and incoming Reps. Paulo Duterte (HNP, Davao City) and Loren B. Legarda (NPC, Antique) have been invited to discuss their platform with the PCIF.
Romero ran unopposed as new leader of the PCFI as members acknowledged his “sterling leadership” in advocating for the grant of more significant role for party-list representatives in running the affairs of the House, said coalition secretary general and Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy.
Velasco welcomed Romero’s election as an additional guarantee of passage of the remaining measures included in President Duterte’s legislative agenda.
Romualdez and Cayetano made the same observation. Like Velasco, both Romualdez and Cayetano are seeking Duterte’s endorsement to become House Speaker.
Romero said all three candidates for House Speaker aired their concerns over the common complaint of party-list solons of being treated as second-class citizens in the chamber.
Romero said the feeling of being left out or discriminated upon is common among past and current crop of party-list representatives. “We talked about being considered second-class citizens in Congress and how to go about it. We are happy that we have this talk with the speakers,” he said.
Aside from Romero and Herrera-Dy, the new set of PCFI officials are: Reps. Ron Salo (Kabayan), deputy secretary general; Anna Villaraza-Suarez (ALONA), treasurer; and Rico Geron (AGAP); Virgilio Lacson (Manila Teachers), and Anton Lopez (Marino), vice presidents.
On the Board of Trustees are Reps. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod); Raymond Mendoza (TUCP); Shernee Tan (Kusug Tausug); Amihilda Sangcopan (Anak Mindanao); Sabiniano Canama (Coop-Natcco); Mariano Piamonte Jr. (A Teachers); Apid de los Santos (Ang Probinsyano); Bong Teves (TGP); Sonny Lagon (Ako Bisaya); Argel Cabatbat (Magsasaka), and GP Padierno (GP).
Reps. Rodante Marcoleta (Sagip); Alfredo Garbin Jr. (Ako Bicol), and Nina Taduran (ACT CIS) are spokespersons while House Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin (AAMBIS-OWA) is chairperson emeritus. (Ben R. Rosario)
