House Speaker Faustino Dy III on Monday called for “moral recovery” in the House of Representatives, saying the success of the Bagong Kongreso (New Congress) should be measured not only by the laws it passes but by its ability to produce better public servants and restore the Filipino people’s trust in the institution.

Speaking after a Mass at the House of Representatives, Dy said rebuilding public confidence requires lawmakers to place integrity, conscience and the common good at the center of their decisions.

“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,” the Speaker said.

“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.”

The Speaker said the presence of Church leaders served as a reminder that public service carries responsibilities that go beyond political considerations, particularly when lawmakers are confronted with difficult choices.

The Mass was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown, and Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani Jr.

“There will be times when the right decision will not be the easiest decision. There will be moments of noise, disagreement, and uncertainty. 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,” Dy said.

During the Mass, Bacani offered a special prayer for Dy, blessing him a week before his 65th birthday on Aug. 31 by praying that he remain a leader of integrity who translates his words and faith into action.

Before beginning the prayer, Bacani asked those present to extend their hands toward Dy and his wife and join him in praying for the couple and the country.

“May I ask you to please extend your hands towards our beloved Speaker and his wife. And let us pray for them and for our country,” Bacani said.

Bacani also acknowledged the pressures and temptations faced by government officials as he sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit for Dy, former governor of Isabela, in carrying out his responsibilities as Speaker.

“We know O Lord, that all public officials are tempted by many, many other things—more than ordinary men are subject to. And so we ask you to pour out in a special way your Holy Spirit upon our beloved Speaker Bojie Dy,” the bishop said.

He expressed hope that Dy would become a leader whose example would be recognized not only within the House of Representatives but throughout the country.

“And grant that he may really be a leader, whom not only the House of Representatives can look up to, but a leader whom the Filipino people can say: here is a true Speaker who not only spoke, but who acted and who lived according to the word of God.”

According to Dy, decisions made by Congress have consequences for millions of Filipinos, making integrity and accountability essential to the work of lawmakers.

“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.”

Since assuming the speakership, Dy said bishops and priests from different dioceses have joined members and employees of the House in prayer through its Spiritual and Moral Enhancement Program, which he said provides spiritual encouragement amid the pressures and difficult decisions involved in public service.

Dy said the vision for a Bagong Kongreso is anchored on collective responsibility rather than the leadership of any single individual.

“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.” (PNA)