MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand “Martin” Romualdez slammed a public official who committed irregularities while on duty but are blaming others.
In a speech on Monday morning, Romualdez said the Lower House will not tolerate hypocrisy and those who “ignore their own misuse of public funds.”
Last week, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a video message that the government budget is merely controlled by Romualdez and appropriations committee chairperson Cong. Elizaldy Co.
The House Appropriations committee is questioning the Office of the Vice President on how the latter’s 2022 confidential funds were used.
“As legislators, we are not only guardians of the national purse but also stewards of the people’s trust,” Romualdez said. “Every peso we allocate in this budget carries with it the sweat and sacrifice of millions of Filipinos.”
“We cannot ignore the reality that there are those who seek to undermine our work — critics who speak of accountability while conveniently ignoring their own misuse of public funds,” he added.
Romualdez, cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., further said the House will not stand idle in the face of such blatant disregard for public trust.
“Hindi maaaring magturo ng daliri ang mga may sariling kasalanan sa harap ng Kongreso. Lahat ay dadaan sa tamang proseso, at walang makakatakas sa pananagutan,” Romualdez said.
“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that every government agency’s expenditure is examined with careful scrutiny and that every program funded by the people’s money is aligned with the country’s priorities,” he added.
The House Speaker further pointed out that lawmakers “favor no one” and “do not bend to pressure or special interests.”/PN
