Four legislators from Davao secure significant positions in the 20th legislative assembly
Davao Region Takes Center Stage in 20th Congress
The Davao Region is making a significant impact in the 20th Congress of the Philippines, with several key leadership positions held by its representatives. The region's influence is evident in the reelection of Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Sr. as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the appointments of local representatives to various committee chair positions and leadership roles.
Romualdez was reelected uncontested with 269 votes, including the support of seven out of eleven Davao Region lawmakers. This political alliance with the dominant leadership is a clear indication of the region’s growing influence.
One of the notable figures among the Davao representatives is Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, who chose to serve as an independent in the 20th Congress. Along with 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab and other Duterte family representatives, they abstained or did not participate in the voting for Speaker to maintain autonomy from partisan blocs.
In the House, the region's lawmakers include Paolo Duterte, Omar Duterte (2nd district), Isidro Ungab (3rd), Nelson Dayanghirang Jr. (Davao Oriental 1st), Cheeno Almario (Davao Oriental 2nd), among others. Most are aligned with the majority coalition or Lakas party, except for the independent Dutertes and Ungab.
Some local officials from Davao Oriental, such as Vice Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., have formally shifted allegiance to Romualdez's Lakas-CMD party, reflecting continued alignment of the region’s political leadership with the majority.
Romualdez has expressed optimism that the 20th Congress will exceed expectations through the collective efforts of veteran and emerging House leaders. Among these are Davao del Norte First District Representative De Carlo Uy and Second District Representative Leonel "Jhong" Ceniza, who were appointed as Assistant Majority Floor Leader.
Their election to these posts reflects the continued trust and confidence they enjoy from fellow lawmakers. As part of the House floor leadership team, they will coordinate legislative actions and build consensus on priority measures of the majority bloc.
Ceniza and Uy's roles involve managing legislative priorities and assisting in the smooth conduct of House proceedings. Meanwhile, Davao Oriental Second District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario was appointed as the Committee Chairperson for Social Services, further reinforcing the region's voice in legislative discussions on social services.
Another significant appointment is Representative Maria Carmen "Maricar" Zamora of Davao de Oro's First District, who was elected as chairperson of the Committee on Accounts. In this role, she is expected to play a critical part in ensuring fiscal discipline and institutional transparency within the House.
The appointments align with Speaker Romualdez's push for a more efficient and responsive legislature. The regional collaboration and the Davao Region's representation in key leadership positions further highlight the region’s contribution to shaping national legislative priorities from a regional perspective.
In the context of the Davao Region's significant influence within the 20th Congress, Davao Oriental Second District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario has been appointed as the Committee Chairperson for Social Services, reinforcing the region's voice in legislative discussions on social services. Furthermore, Representative Maria Carmen "Maricar" Zamora of Davao de Oro's First District, another regional representative, has been elected as chairperson of the Committee on Accounts, playing a critical role in ensuring fiscal discipline and institutional transparency within the House. These appointments are in line with Speaker Romualdez's push for an efficient and responsive legislature, contributing to the shaping of national legislative priorities from a regional perspective, as part of the policy-and-legislation and general-news focus.
