Outgoing Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has vowed to continue his brand of honest and compassionate public service which, he said was also the attribute of his long-time friend and ally, incoming Vice President Sara Duterte–driven by “love for God, country and family.”
Velasco made the statement as he took his oath of office Sunday as reelected representative of Marinduque’s lone district for the incoming 19th Congress.
The 44-year-old solon also urged the youth to “believe in themselves and to challenge themselves to achieve more for their families, communities and the country.”
Velasco will be serving his third consecutive term following his reelection in the May 9, 2022 polls.
As an unopposed candidate, he needed only at least one vote to win and yet he obtained more than 100,000 votes—the most of any local candidate in the province.
In October 2020, Velasco assumed the speakership in the middle of a raging global pandemic. Undaunted, he was able to lead the “bigger house of Congress” in producing desperately needed legislation aimed at mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.
Despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, the House—under Velasco’s competent stewardship—has remained steadfast and resolute on the enactment of laws to uplift the plight of suffering Filipinos from the devastation brought about by the unprecedented public health crisis.
Velasco’s supporters said his style of youthful, focused, consultative and inclusive leadership unified the legislative chamber in passing vital legislation, such as the 2021 and 2022 national budgets, National COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act, Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, to name a few.
Velasco prioritized the health and safety of House members and employees in order to keep the legislative mill running so that the chamber could continue to pass critical emergency pandemic response measures.
United under Velasco’s leadership, the House put in place strict health and safety protocols, including regular COVID-19 testing and mass vaccination.
Even as he became Speaker, Velasco would always keep a close watch on Marinduque, ensuring that his constituents were provided with basic government services and that they benefit from the programs and projects specifically made for them.