SANTA Rosa City Lone District Rep. Dan S. Fernandez assured the public that the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, remains dedicated to its duties and won’t be distracted by the seeming political noise surrounding the issue of confidential funds.
Following Speaker Romualdez’s directive, Fernandez noted that the House has been working tirelessly even during the session break to serve the Filipino people and support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“The House of Representatives is resolute in its determination to serve the Filipino people. We will not be deterred by distractions or intimidation. We recognize our responsibility to the nation, and we will continue to work diligently, regardless of the circumstances,” Fernandez said.
The chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety went on to emphasize the importance of focusing on the legislative agenda and not being swayed by external pressures.
“Our commitment to the people is unwavering. We are here to serve, and our duty to the nation remains paramount. We will not allow political noise to divert our attention from the work that needs to be done,” he pointed out.
Congress adjourned on September 28 and is set to resume its session on November 6. During this five-week break, all standing and special committees of the House have the authority to hold hearings to expedite the passage of urgent measures.
Last Friday, Fernandez, along with fellow House members, joined the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in an operation to destroy nearly P6 billion worth of illegal drugs, in solidarity with the Marcos administration’s campaign for a bloodless war on drugs.
Fernandez and his colleagues declared their commitment to serving public and pushing forward with their legislative agenda, undeterred by any form of intimidation or adversity.
He said the issue of confidential funds, while a matter of concern, will not impede their commitment to the nation and the Filipino people.
The House has recently become the target of intense criticism following its decision to reallocate P1.23 billion in confidential funds from certain government institutions to security agencies, especially amid escalating tensions with China.
The most severe criticism came from former President Rodrigo Duterte, who vehemently rebuked Congress after his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, lost P650 million in confidential funds that she had requested for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the 2024 national budget.
This occurred despite a prior statement by the Vice President, asserting that her offices could function without confidential funds. This statement followed criticism for spending P125 million in confidential funds in a mere 11 days, averaging roughly P11.36 million daily.
Aside from OVP and DepEd, the chamber also realigned confidential funds from various other government agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture, which is currently headed by President Marcos.
Fernandez cited the importance of the House’s decision to reallocate the P1.23 billion in confidential funds, redirecting them towards agencies with a strong focus on security.
“This step underscores our unwavering commitment to reinforcing the programs of the Marcos administration for the improvement of the lives of Filipinos,” he added.
The Laguna lawmaker also underscored the House’s shared commitment to ensuring that these resources contribute to the improvement of the nation.
