TWO lawmakers from Davao de Oro and one each from Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte have secured key leadership positions in the 20th Congress, reinforcing these provinces growing influence in national legislation as Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Sr. retained his post as Speaker of the House during the opening session at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Representative Maria Carmen Maricar Zamora of Davao de Oros First District was elected as chairperson of the Committee on Accounts, a powerful panel that oversees the internal financial operations of the House of Representatives. 

Second District Representative Leonel Jhong Ceniza and Davao del Norte First District Representative De Carlo Uy were appointed Assistant Majority Floor Leader, a key position that involves managing legislative priorities and assisting in the smooth conduct of House proceedings.

Meanwhile, Davao Oriental Second District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario was appointed Committee Chairperson for Social Services, a position that further reinforces the regions voice in legislative discussions on social services.

Their election to these posts reflects the continued trust and confidence they enjoy from fellow lawmakers and aligns with Speaker Romualdezs push for a more efficient and responsive legislature. 

The leadership appointments were confirmed following Romualdezs reelection on Monday, July 28, with an overwhelming 269 votes, including support from seven out of 11 congressional representatives from the Davao Region.

Zamora, who now leads the committee responsible for budgeting, procurement, and internal disbursements within the House, is expected to play a critical role in ensuring fiscal discipline and institutional transparency. 

Ceniza and Uy, on the other hand, become part of the House floor leadership team tasked with coordinating legislative actions and building consensus on priority measures of the majority bloc.

Local officials and residents have expressed pride in the trust given to their representatives, seeing it as a strong indication of their readiness to shoulder greater responsibilities in driving inclusive progress and meaningful reforms.

Romualdez expressed optimism that the 20th Congress will exceed expectations through the collective efforts of veteran and emerging House leaders. DEF