Overview
The inaugural session of the 20th Congress of the House of Representatives convened, with attendance confirmed and parliamentary rules established. The session focused on electing the Speaker of the House, culminating in the nomination, seconding, and voting that resulted in the election of Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker.
Plenary Hall Arrangements and Safety Reminders
- Guests are seated at the north and south sides of the first floor and in the VIP gallery front rows.
- Exits for first floor occupants and VIP gallery front rows are at the north and south.
- VIP gallery occupants have access to north, south, and main entrance exits.
- Second-floor exits are available at both sides.
- Third-floor occupants have emergency exits at the east and west sides.
- All exits are accessible in case of emergency.
Session Opening and Roll Call
- The session opened on the fourth Monday of July 2025, as mandated by the Constitution.
- The singing of the Philippine National Anthem and doxology were observed.
- The roll call of members, by legislative district and party list, was conducted and recorded.
- A quorum was declared with 290 members present.
Agenda and Parliamentary Procedures
- The chair appointed Rep. Lawrence R. Defensor as acting floor leader.
- Parliamentary rules for electing majority and minority leaders were reiterated.
- A motion to open nominations for Speaker was approved without objection.
Nomination and Seconding of Speaker
- Rep. David JJC Suarez nominated Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for Speaker, highlighting his past leadership and legislative achievements.
- The nomination was seconded by several members from various parties: Partido Federal Filipinas, Nationalist People's Coalition, National Unity Party, Nationalista Party, and Party List Coalition Foundation.
Election of Speaker of the House
- With no other nominations, the motion to close nominations was carried.
- The assembly proceeded to the election of Speaker by roll call vote.
- The majority of representatives cast their votes for Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
- Some members abstained from voting, citing independence or party decisions.
Decisions
- Elected Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 20th Congress.
Action Items
- TBD – House Secretariat: Update official records to reflect the election of the new Speaker.
- TBD – Majority and Minority Members: Convene to elect Majority and Minority Leaders, respectively.