SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ: HOUSE, EXECUTIVE UNITED FOR CREDIBLE, TRANSPARENT BUDGET

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for calm amid budget deliberations, vowing that the House of Representatives will work with the Executive branch to deliver a 2026 spending plan that is transparent, accountable and truly for the people.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives, I thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his understanding and his call for calm. We also acknowledge the dedicated work of the Cabinet in preparing the National Expenditure Program,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The House chief said Congress is determined to exercise its oversight function responsibly while cooperating with the Executive branch.

“If our deliberations have caused any discomfort, we ask for understanding. The House’s duty is not to cast blame but to ensure that every peso in the budget is transparent, accountable and truly for the people,” he said.

Speaker Romualdez acknowledged that reforms must begin in Congress itself.

“We recognize that there are issues that must be addressed, and we begin by putting our own House in order. Walang exempted—kasama kami diyan,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He added that the House remains committed to its partnership with President Marcos and his Cabinet to strengthen the budget process and protect public funds. “At the same time, we stand firm in our partnership with the Executive, under the leadership of the President, to strengthen the budget process and to make sure that government resources are used wisely and well,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The Speaker also stressed that the current discussions on the 2026 national budget should not be seen as a clash between institutions but as a demonstration of accountability in action.

“This is not a clash of institutions. It is a partnership in accountability and service. The House stands united with the President and his Cabinet to restore trust, ensure transparency, and deliver a budget that is credible, acceptable, and beneficial to every Filipino,” Speaker Romualdez said.