Adiong supports public access to budget conference

LANAO del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Wednesday expressed support for the push to open to the public the bicameral conference on the national budget.  

Speaking before reporters, Adiong said the House of Representatives of the 19th Congress championed transparency and accountability, which is the reason public trust in the institution grew. 

“This 19th Congress, the reason why tumaas po sa survey ang trust rating ng 19th Congress is because mapapansin ninyo po, we are actually working to uphold and promote a clear understanding in a no non-sense definition, of what transparency and accountability means sa ating mga tao. So anything that would support that philosophy and that effort to make sure government transactions should be made available and transparent to the people, we will support,” Adiong said during a press conference.

In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) national survey, the trust rating of the House of Representatives was 57 percent, up from 34 percent in April and 49 percent in May. 

Adiong said even reelected Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the Speaker of the 19th Congress, has expressed his support for the open bicam resolution filed by TGP Party-list Rep. Teves. 

“Yung ginawa po ng House of Representatives in the previous Congress to hold public officials accountable without fear or favor relates to the very core of what the people really wants to see from their public officers,” Adiong said.

According to the Lanao solon, the 57 percent trust rating simply shows the House is on the right track focused on its legislative agendas and priorities, despite the volatile political situation within which it operates. 

“So ito ay vindication. It also goes straight to the issue na pag nasa public office ka, (you) should always maintain public trust because public office is public trust. Steady yung leadership ng House despite everything that is happening. Walang pinakitang drama, walang pinakitang anuman na masasabi po nating ibaba ang usapin ng politika o ibaba ang usapin ng ating bansa doon sa gutter talk,” Adiong said.

He also commended Romualdez for exemplifying stable leadership despite criticisms on the House amid the impeachment issue. 

“He has never used his influence to attack anybody or promote anybody. Sa kanya, steady lang yung kanyang position for the good of the country,” Adiong said. 

For the P6.793-trillion proposed national budget, Adiong expressed hope that this would prioritize not only food security and education but also help bring down the costs of basic commodities