FOR HOUSE SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, public trust isn’t just a number — it’s a responsibility.
Fresh from a favorable showing in the latest OCTA Research “Tugon ng Masa” second-quarter survey, the newly reelected House leader said the rise in his trust and performance ratings affirms the people’s growing support for the reform agenda he is pushing in the lower chamber of Congress.
“I welcome the results of the latest OCTA survey with gratitude and a clear sense of duty,” Romualdez said in a statement on Wednesday. “The increase in both my trust rating and performance rating is an encouraging sign that the reforms we’ve been working on in the House of Representatives — particularly on transparency, budget integrity, and service delivery — are gaining traction among the public.”
3-POINT JUMP
The OCTA survey, conducted from July 12 to 17, showed Romualdez posting a three-point jump in trust rating, now at 57 percent, and a four-point increase in performance rating, rising to 59 percent.
These results put him among the few national leaders to post simultaneous gains — the other being President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who saw his trust and performance ratings improve to 64 percent and 62 percent, respectively.
What makes Romualdez’s gains particularly notable, analysts say, is the consistency of the rise across all major regions and socioeconomic groups — from Metro Manila to the Visayas, and from the ABC class to the country’s poorest.
“This tells me one thing,” the House leader said. “People are paying attention. They want honest leadership and tangible results.”
WORKING QUIETLY
Romualdez, who also serves as leader of the supermajority coalition in the House, has long emphasized an approach anchored in quiet but decisive action. In recent months, he has overseen a legislative push focused on fiscal responsibility, better service delivery, and the streamlining of infrastructure initiatives.
Among the House’s recent priorities were the passage of key measures aligned with the Marcos administration’s socioeconomic agenda — including bills on digital infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and responsive budgeting. While these may not always make flashy headlines, Romualdez said they are the kinds of reforms that impact people’s lives.
“We’re not here to grandstand,” he added. “We’re here to deliver results, especially for communities that have waited too long for basic services. This is not a time to rest. There’s still so much to do.”
Survey Breakdown: Who Trusts the Speaker?
According to OCTA, Romualdez’s approval ratings show significant regional and class-based support:
By Region:
Visayas: 66 percent trust, 64 percent performance
Balance Luzon: 62 percent trust, 64 percent performance
Metro Manila: 59 percent trust, 59 percent performance
Mindanao: 36 percent trust, 43 percent performance
By Socioeconomic Class:
Class E (poorest): 61 percent trust, 63 percent performance
Class D: 57 percent trust, 59 percent performance
Class ABC (upper to middle): 49 percent trust, 51 percent performance
These numbers indicate solid gains in areas where public frustration has historically run high — especially with slow infrastructure development and perceptions of government inefficiency.
Political analysts note that the Speaker’s strong showing in the Visayas and among lower-income groups reflects effective grassroots communication and a growing appreciation for local-level programs led or supported by the House.
Looking Ahead: No Room for Complacency
Despite the boost, Romualdez insists there is no room for complacency.
“This is not a victory lap. It’s a reminder to stay focused, stay grounded, and stay accountable,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to stricter oversight on how public funds are spent, faster implementation of government projects, and expanding the reach of legislation to uplift the marginalized.
One of the House’s upcoming priorities, he shared, is to enhance monitoring mechanisms to ensure infrastructure projects are not only delivered on time but also insulated from corruption. Additionally, he emphasized continued legislative work on education, healthcare, and job creation — sectors critical to sustaining the country’s long-term growth.
From Pulse to Policy
For Romualdez, the survey results offer more than just political validation — they serve as a gauge of public sentiment and a roadmap for where to steer legislative focus next.
“We’ve always said that public service must reflect public need,” he said. “The moment you stop listening is the moment you start failing.”
And as the House continues its work — from budget deliberations to long-term reforms — Romualdez said he and his colleagues are keeping their eyes on one goal: restoring and strengthening people’s faith in institutions.
“Trust is earned daily,” he added. “We will continue earning it — not through noise, but through action.”