House leaders paid tribute to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on his birthday, crediting his steady, inclusive and results-driven leadership for strengthening the House of Representatives, restoring public trust in the institution, and looking after the welfare of its members and employees.
Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato Representative Ferdinand Hernandez described Speaker Dy—who turned 65 on August 31—as a sincere and determined leader who was willing to make difficult decisions to bring meaningful change to Congress.
Addressing the Speaker at a surprise birthday activity organized by House officials and staff, Hernandez said: “I have always believed in your sincerity, determination, and unwavering commitment to introduce meaningful change in Congress, even when the decisions were difficult and the challenges seemed overwhelming. You stood your ground, ushered in a new normal, and helped restore the public’s trust in the institution.”
The legislator said Speaker Dy’s leadership has been marked not by a desire for attention, but by a quiet determination to deliver results.
“You have quietly and steadily done the job, never seeking the spotlight, and let the result speak for themselves – Congress has delivered a remarkable performance and continues to do so under your watch,” the lawmaker said.
He also thanked Speaker Dy for the trust and friendship they developed in Congress.
“I’m proud to call you my Speaker, my boss, my mentor, and most importantly, my friend.”
“I’m proud to call you my Speaker, my boss, my mentor, and most importantly, my friend. I will always be grateful for your friendship, guidance, and most of all, the trust you have placed in me. God bless you always! Together with my constituents from the 2nd District and the Province of South Cotabato, we wish you a Happy Birthday, Boss Bojie!” Hernandez added.
Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos likewise thanked Speaker Dy for his leadership and for helping him fulfill his responsibilities as Majority Leader.
Marcos credited the Speaker for rallying members of the House and keeping the chamber united and focused on performing its constitutional mandate and delivering results for the Filipino people.
For Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Speaker Dy’s ability to work with lawmakers across political lines is rooted in both his character and his long experience in public service.
“Napakabuting tao.”
“Napakabuting tao,” Libanan said of the Speaker.
The veteran legislator said it was no accident that Dy has remained in public service for four decades, beginning as a barangay captain and eventually rising to become Speaker of the House.
“Dahil sa kagalingan, kasipagan, at sa humility,” the seasoned lawmaker pointed out.
He also credited Speaker Dy with taking the helm of the House at a difficult period when public ratings of the institution had declined, and successfully steering the chamber toward improved public trust and approval ratings.
House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, meanwhile, called Dy “the best Speaker in the history of the House,” citing in particular his genuine concern for the welfare of House employees.
Speaker Dy, visibly moved by the surprise celebration, thanked House leaders, members, officials and employees for their support and said the unity within the chamber must continue to guide its work for the Filipino people.
“Sa amin sa probinsya laging pinagmamalaki namin yung unity—pagkakaisa natin. Regardless kung ano yung paniniwala natin, kung ano yung ating posisyon sa buhay… pero pagdating sa trabaho, pagdating sa kabutihan ng mas nakakarami, nagsasama-sama tayo para dyan,” he said.
“Palakasin pa natin yung ating paniniwala na kayang kaya nating ibangon ang Bagong Kongreso,” the Speaker concluded.
