The word Timpuyog has always held a special meaning for me. It is an Ilocano word that speaks of unity—people standing side by side, sharing a purpose, bound by respect and discipline. It was this very word that inspired me to name the movement I have poured much of my energy into—TimpuyogPilipinas. More than a banner, it is a dream for a nation where leaders govern with integrity, citizens walk in solidarity, and discipline shapes the destiny of our Republic.
It was during one of my quiet reflections on Timpuyog that I found myself troubled by the state of the House of Representatives. Once again, it was consumed by leadership struggles and power plays. The chamber that was supposed to be the people’s House had become a place of partisanship, insertions, and self-interest. I asked myself: have we ever had a Speaker who embodied discipline, order, and the strength of character that could restore the dignity of the House? The answer struck me—no, not once. In all our history, never has a Speaker come from the military or police ranks, where discipline is second nature and respect for duty is sacred.
That is why I thought of Congressman Romeo Acop. He is not just qualified; he is a complete package for the Speakership. He is a retired law enforcement officer, having served as a General in the Philippine National Police where he carried the burdens of command with integrity. He is a member of the Bar, a lawyer who graduated cum laude and understands the intricacies of the law with both the mind of a practitioner and the heart of a public servant. He is also a veteran politician, trusted by the people of Antipolo for multiple terms, winning their confidence not through theatrics but through consistent, honest service. And above all, he has lived his life as a crusader against crime and corruption, never afraid to speak truth to power, never hesitant to ask the hard questions, and never willing to compromise principle for convenience.
These dimensions of his life do not exist separately; together they form a rare and powerful combination. As a General, he knows the value of discipline, order, and command responsibility. As a lawyer, he has the legal acumen to interpret and uphold the rule of law. As a legislator, he has the experience of drafting and shepherding laws that touch the daily lives of Filipinos. And as a crusader, he brings with him the moral courage to confront wrongdoing, whether it comes from friend or foe. This is the very leadership profile that the House has long been missing.
The House of Representatives is not just another chamber; it is the people’s House, the guardian of the nation’s coffers, and the crucible of our democracy. When its members fall into corruption, when proceedings descend into spectacle, and when leadership is consumed by self-interest, the very foundation of our Republic trembles. What the House needs is not just a leader who can count votes or negotiate deals—it needs a Speaker who can command respect, enforce discipline, and restore credibility.
Congressman Romeo Acop has already proven he is capable of this. In hearings, he has been both fair and firm, never shielding allies when they are wrong, never persecuting opponents when they are right. He has been entrusted with the most sensitive committees, from Public Order and Safety to Justice and Good Government, because his peers know he is a man who will not look the other way in the face of corruption. His perfect attendance record, while seemingly small, speaks volumes of his dedication, his respect for the institution, and his accountability to the people.
In times when politics often rewards showmanship over substance, Acop represents the opposite—substance over spectacle, principle over partisanship, integrity over indulgence. He is exactly the kind of Speaker who can bring order back to the House, restore trust in governance, and remind every lawmaker that they are servants of the people, not masters of privilege.
As I return to the meaning of Timpuyog, I realize that the essence of unity is not just standing together but standing together for what is right. If the House were to choose Congressman Acop, it would not only be choosing a man—it would be choosing discipline over disorder, fairness over favoritism, and integrity over corruption. It would be a step toward making timpuyog—that dream of unity, honor, and national service—a reality within the halls of power.
This is not merely a reflection but a call. A call for
discipline in the House, for integrity in leadership, and for unity in purpose.
A call for Timpuyog Pilipinas. And at this critical juncture in our nation’s
history, I say it clearly: Romeo Acop is not just another candidate for
Speaker—he is the complete package, the Speaker the House of Represntatives needs, and the
Speaker the Filipino people truly deserve.
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