SPEAKER Faustino G. Dy III on Monday called for ‘moral recovery’ within the House of Representatives, emphasizing that the success of the Bagong Kongreso should be judged by the integrity of its members and the trust of the public, rather than the sheer volume of legislation passed.
Speaking following the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the House of Representatives, Dy urged lawmakers to ground their decisions in conscience and the public interest.
‘I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: A truly Bagong Kongreso must begin with moral recovery. Our standard cannot simply be how many laws we pass, but whether we become better public servants and restore our people’s faith in this institution,’ said the Speaker.
‘Being a legislator is not simply about knowing how to make laws. It is about knowing what is right and having the courage to do it-choosing integrity over convenience and the common good over personal interest,’ he said.
The Mass was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches Teodoro C. Bacani Jr., members of the House; and concelebrating priests, including clergy from the Diocese of Ilagan.
Dy noted that the presence of Church leaders underscores the ethical gravity of public office, particularly when navigating political pressure.
‘There will be times when the right decision will not be the easiest decision,’ Dy said. ‘In those cases, we will need something greater than political judgment. We will need our conscience. We will need collective courage. And we will need prayers.’
He emphasized that legislative actions carry direct consequences for everyday citizens, reinforcing the need for both active listening and accountability.
‘Because behind every law we pass, every budget we approve, and every decision we make will benefit millions of Filipinos. We must therefore know how to speak but also how to listen; how to lead but also how to serve.’
Under Dy’s leadership, the House has partnered with various dioceses through its Spiritual and Moral Enhancement Program, offering regular prayer services to support lawmakers and staff. Dy concluded by stressing that the vision for the Bagong Kongreso depends on shared commitment rather than any single leader.
‘Because the Bagong Kongreso is not about one Speaker. It is about all of us-working together, guided by a common purpose and a shared responsibility to the Filipino people,’ he said.
‘And if we stand together with faith in God, faith in one another, and faith in the Filipino people, I believe we can build a Congress worthy of their trust: a Congress that knows how to listen. A Congress that serves. A Congress that does what is right. A Congress that puts the Filipino people first,’ he added.