SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to realign national priorities with the everyday needs of Filipinos, vowing to champion budget reforms, an open bicam and targeted investments in agriculture, health, and job creation.
“The President’s message was clear: make government work better for the people. As Speaker, I am committed to making sure the budget reflects that – every centavo must go where it’s needed most,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The Speaker said the House leadership is prepared to act decisively on long-needed structural changes to the national budget process, and that these reforms must prioritize accountability, eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that spending directly addresses the needs of Filipino families.
“This is not just about numbers, it’s about making sure families feel the impact of every peso we allocate,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez also backed growing calls for transparency in budget deliberations, particularly in the bicameral conference committee, which reconciles Senate and House versions of the national budget.
“No backroom haggling. The people have every right to know how their money is being spent. If we want trust, we have to earn it, starting with an open bicam,” the Speaker stressed.
In line with the President’s priorities, Speaker Romualdez committed to channeling funding into high-impact sectors such as agriculture, public health and job creation, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
“We need to put food on the table, ensure no family is crushed by hospital bills, and create jobs that restore dignity and hope. These are not abstract goals, they are urgent, real and long overdue,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez assured the public that the House will treat the proposed 2026 national budget with both urgency and seriousness, conscious of the pressing challenges confronting the country.
“No delay, no drama. The House will do its job with focus and compassion. Because at the end of the day, that budget isn’t about institutions. It’s about lives,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He added that under his stewardship, the House will serve as a reliable and responsible partner in delivering genuine reform and people-centered legislation.
“We will legislate with purpose. Not for headlines, but for households. Not for applause, but for impact. That’s what this moment calls for, and that’s what the people deserve,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.
