Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — Speaker Martin Romualdez took a swipe at the “dissatisfied few” criticizing the House of Representatives as he defended the changes made by the chamber to the proposed ₱5.768-trillion national budget for 2024.
In a speech to mark the resumption of session Monday, Romualdez said the House merely did its job in scrutinizing the budget bill.
The House realigned ₱194.5 billion under the 2024 General Appropriations Bill. The changes include the removal of ₱1.2 billion in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) from some civilian agencies, including the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education led by Vice President Sara Duterte.
The CIF of the affected civilian agencies was instead lodged in offices concerned with the West Philippine Sea, including the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Aquatic Fisheries and Resources (BFAR).
“Tatayo ako, laban sa sinuman na mananakot sa atin para masunod lamang ang gusto nila. Titindig ako — tayong lahat — para sa kapakanan ng bayan,” said Romualdez. “The House was never lenient, nor did it favor anyone. Trabaho lang, walang personalan.”
[Translation: I will stand against anyone who threatens us just for their whims to be followed. I — all of us — will stand up for the good of the nation. The House was never lenient, nor did it favor anyone. This is about work, it’s nothing personal.]
Romualdez said the House is standing by its actions despite threats to the chamber’s integrity.
“My dear colleagues, our defense against those who endanger the integrity of the House of Representatives is to fulfill our utmost priority, which is to bring forth the most significant and responsive pieces of legislation,” he said
The House of Representatives resumed regular session after a five-week break.
