House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (File photo)
MANILA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday said the strong statement made by the business community and civil society calling for an end to corruption in government echoes the very principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that the House of Representatives has committed to uphold.
"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," Romualdez said in a statement.
"I fully support initiatives for independent scrutiny and fair prosecution to ensure that those who betray public trust are held accountable under the law," he added.
Romualdez issued the statement after a number of business groups and civil society organizations (CSO) called for an end to corruption in government amid ongoing investigations involving questionable flood control projects.
He said the House has taken decisive steps to introduce reforms in the budget process to restore public trust and strengthen accountability.
Among these reforms include greater transparency in budget hearings and bicameral deliberations; stricter oversight of lump-sum and unprogrammed appropriations; enhanced citizen participation and CSO engagement; and the institutionalization of budget modernization measures.
"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," Romualdez said.
He called on business leaders, professionals, and civic organizations to work closely with Congress in pushing these reforms to their full implementation.
"Together, let us build a governance culture where every peso is protected, every project is transparent, and every public official is held to the highest standard of service." (PNA)
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