MANILA — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III called on lawmakers and employees of the House of Representatives to stand united in restoring public trust and pushing long-awaited reforms, as the chamber prepares to close the year and the Christmas season approaches.

Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony at the Batasan Complex, Dy acknowledged the challenges the institution continues to face but emphasized that these can be overcome through solidarity and focus on public service.

“Ilang buwan pa lamang ang nakakalipas mula nang pagkatiwalaan tayo na pamunuan ang institusyong ito… ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, hindi ako natinag—dahil alam kong hindi ako nag-iisa,” Dy said, noting the support of both legislators and House staff.

The Speaker urged members to set aside personal interests and to prioritize the welfare of Filipinos, saying unity is essential to stabilize the political climate and address the nation’s concerns with “clarity, courage, and conviction.”

“Kung may panahon mang hinihingi ang pagkakaisa, iyon ay ngayon na… Kung may puwang man para maging liwanag tayo sa gitna ng dilim ng kaguluhan, pagdududa, at maling impormasyon—ito na ang tamang panahon,” he added.

Dy, the first Speaker from Isabela, said lasting reforms require humility, cooperation, faith, and a shared commitment to building a “tapat, makatao, makabayan” Congress. He stressed that unity would enable the chamber to finally deliver long-delayed reforms sought by the public.

He also urged lawmakers and staff to resist political noise and misinformation, particularly on social media, saying these distractions undermine the institution’s focus and mandate.

“Huwag nating hayaang maapektuhan tayo ng mga naririnig o nababasa sa social media. Kayang-kaya nating baguhin ang imahe ng institusyong ito sa pamamagitan ng tapat, masipag, at makabuluhang paglilingkod,” he said.

Dy paid tribute to House employees, calling them the “pillar and strength” of the institution. He said ongoing internal reforms are intended to give them the dignity and respect they deserve.

“Darating din ang araw na hindi ninyo na kailangan pang mag-alinlangan o mahiyang sabihing kayo ay empleyado ng Kamara… Hindi tayo titigil hanggang hindi natin maabot ang mataas na kalidad ng ating serbisyo,” he said.

With Christmas drawing near, Dy encouraged the entire House community to be “a source of hope, reconciliation, and light,” and urged them to face 2026 with unity and renewed purpose.

“Salubungin natin ang liwanag ng taong 2026 na mas masaya, mas masigla, at puno ng pagbabago at pag-asa,” Dy said.