MANILA, Philippines – Nagpahayag ng suporta si Speaker Martin Romualdez para sa independent investigation sa mga alegasyon ng korapsyon sa pamahalaan.
“Let me be clear: the House of the People will never condone corruption, whether in public works, local governance, or any other area of government service. Allegations of wrongdoing must be investigated thoroughly and addressed decisively,” sinabi ni Romualdez.
“I fully support initiatives for independent scrutiny and fair prosecution to ensure that those who betray public trust are held accountable under the law,” dagdag pa niya.
Nag-isyu ng statement si Romualdez makaraang manawagan ang iba’t ibang business groups at civil society organizations na wakasan na ang korapsyon sa pamahalaan, kasabay ng nagpapatuloy na imbestigasyon sa mga ghost flood control projects.
“I welcome and respect the strong statement made by our partners in the business community and civil society calling for an end to corruption in government. Their concern echoes the very principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that the House of Representatives has committed to uphold,” ayon sa Speaker.
Tinukoy ni Romualdez ang mga hakbang ng 20th Congress para sa mga reporma sa budget process at maibalik ang tiwala ng publiko at mapalakas ang accountability.
Kabilang dito ang:
Greater transparency in budget hearings and bicameral deliberations with proceedings open to the public and livestreamed.
Stricter oversight of lump-sum and unprogrammed appropriations, requiring detailed justifications from agencies before such funds can be approved or released
Enhanced citizen participation and CSO engagement, empowering watchdog groups and stakeholders to help monitor projects and spending.
Adopting budget modernization measures, such as the proposed Budget Modernization Act, to ensure a performance-based, cash-based, and results-oriented spending framework.
“These reforms are not mere rhetoric—they are concrete actions designed to ensure that every peso in the national budget is allocated properly, spent prudently, and accounted for responsibly,” sinabi ni Romualdez. RNT/JGC
