Metro Manila, Philippines – A lawmaker facing plunder and graft complaints stepped down as member of the bicameral conference committee for the proposed 2026 budget.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., chairman of the House committee on public works, announced his resignation on Saturday, Dec. 13, ahead of the convening of the committee, which was livestreamed for the first time.
The lawmaker said he deemed it proper to quit out of propriety and in the interest of institutional integrity, so that Congress “would not be unnecessarily drawn into controversy.”
“Let me be clear: this courtesy resignation is not an admission of guilt. It is an affirmation of the values that must guide every public servant — honor, integrity, accountability, and respect for our institutions,” he said in his statement.
Momo said he welcomes due process and has trust in the rule of law, pointing out “a clear conscience fears no investigation.”
He said he remains steadfast in his duty in representing the first district of Surigao del Sur.
Momo is facing complaints that include violations of plunder and anti-graft laws with the Office of the Ombudsman on over P1.4 billion in projects such as flood control projects, farm-to-market roads, and school buildings.
A group of lawyers and priests also named in their complaint several personnel of the public works department and the Commission on Audit, as well as the Surigao La Suerte Corporation, which was connected to Momo.
Bato still a no-show
Meanwhile, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa continued his absence as he skipped the budget bicam on Saturday.
Dela Rosa is an automatic member of the Senate contingent as he is the vice chairperson of the chamber’s finance committee.
Sen. Win Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate finance panel, earlier hoped Dela Rosa would attend.
Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate sessions since early November amid an alleged warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him in relation to the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
It was Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla who said that the ICC warrant had been issued, but the justice department said it has not yet received the document.
NewsWatch Plus senior correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
