Photo credit: Congress PH

In more than three decades of handling communications across boardrooms, cabinet rooms, and campaign war rooms under seven Philippine presidents, we’ve learned one thing: messaging is often less about clarity and more about control.

The trick is simple. When the heat rises, drown the public in sound. This is the Echo Strategy. When the principal faces scandal, instead of answering directly, a chorus of voices appears.

Each has a role: one to deny, another to defend, another to distract. The three Ds that keep the public busy while the truth stays hidden.

We’ve seen this routine countless times, from war rooms to cabinet halls, where multiple voices are orchestrated not to clarify but to confuse. While the instruments clamor and the Echo Strategy plays on, we see exactly what the public is missing: simple, direct answers.

Today, this Echo Strategy is at full blast in the House of Representatives. Speaker Martin Romualdez faces uncomfortable questions.

Recent discussions in the press and public forums have raised allegations of questionable dealings, and about inserting funds during budget deliberations. These concerns have cast a shadow over the institution.

Track One features Manila Rep. Benny Abante, co-chair of Tricom, the loudest instrument, booming as he shouts at witnesses. His daughter, Princess Abante, is the high-pitched soloist, quick with quips, styled with perfect makeup and blow-dried hair, adding flair though not always depth.

Track Two highlights former Surigao Rep. Ace Barbers, the newly designated Speaker’s spokesman and snare drum, pounding long-winding answers with no melody, more rhythm than substance.

Track Three stars Rep. Joel Chua, the bass guitar, supposed to hold harmony but offering predictable cover that drowns out clarity.

Track Four brings in La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, a keyboard with one tone, totally predictable.

Track five is Terry Ridon, the novice drummer, nervous and amateurish.

Track six introduces Partlist Rep. and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, the House’s mute button, silent on every issue involving Romualdez, more stage décor than opposition.

In contrast, Cavite newbie Rep. Kiko Barzaga is a flute with a clear melody, calling for an investigation into Speaker Romualdez, a note that resonated with the public amid the noisy orchestra.

The Speaker’s PR team acts as conductor, waving hands and pointing, but without real direction.

Picture the House as a concert stage, microphones doubling as instruments, all noise, no truth.

Meanwhile, their lifestyle choices provide the real soundtrack.

How do lawmakers preach sacrifice while stepping out of Lexus SUVs and LC300 convoys, playing golf, sipping wine, wearing expensive suits, dining in high-end restaurants, and moving with bodyguards and staff?

How can they live in luxury while constituents wade through floods, line up for overpriced rice, and endure daily survival struggles?

The Echo Strategy may fool insiders, but ordinary Filipinos are not blind.

In the provinces, floods destroy homes, jeepney fares eat into meager wages, and families stretch a single "ulam" over rice.

Every headline about luxury cars and lavish meals deepens the anger.

The Speaker may believe this Echo Strategy keeps him safe, but the public is no longer dancing. They are listening, watching, and counting.

Yet instead of leading, the Speaker appears to rely on a chorus of spokespersons. We’ve observed, and managed similar situations, where clarity and leadership could have changed the narrative entirely.

He could easily call former Appropriations Committee chairman Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to explain the 2025 budget, ask the new chair to release the small committee report, or invite Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong to testify.

All of these are within his power. So why doesn’t he? Is he hesitant? Simply put, the country needs straightforward answers from Romualdez.

Some may think loud music can drown out the truth.

Pero sa labas ng Batasan, malinaw ang hiyawan. Pagod na ang bayan sa kasinungalingan.

Mr. Speaker, panahon na para ipakita mo ang liderato mo.

Huwag ka magtago sa likod ng mga alipores mo at pangunahan mo ang paghahanap ng katotohanan sa loob ng bakuran mo.

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 35 years of experience in corporate, government, and advocacy communications, spanning the terms of seven Philippine presidents. He is also a political analyst, entrepreneur, and media professional. Drawing on this experience, he delivers clear, accessible analysis of political, governance, and business issues.