Speaker Romualdez: House to confront flood control issues, jumpstart legislative mill to tackle people’s needs

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday assured the public that the House of Representatives will confront allegations involving flood control projects with fairness and transparency, even as he ordered the chamber to “jumpstart the legislative mill” to address the urgent needs of Filipino families.

Speaker Romualdez said he met with chairmen of key committees to tackle challenges facing the House, particularly questions surrounding infrastructure projects.

He emphasized that inquiries must proceed openly and responsibly—but warned that Congress cannot allow investigations to paralyze its broader mandate of service.

“These are serious matters, and I emphasized that the integrity of the House must always be above question,” Speaker Romualdez said. “The people deserve clear answers on where public funds go and who truly benefits from them.”

He reminded colleagues that political squabbles must not overshadow urgent legislation on food security, job creation, healthcare, education, and national defense.

“Bawat araw na ginugugol sa pulitika ay araw na nawawala sa paglilingkod. Ang mandato ng Kongreso ay magtrabaho para sa bayan,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.

The Speaker pointed out that the 19th Congress became the most productive in history by setting aside politics and passing laws that delivered direct benefits to the people—from jobs and livelihood to healthcare and national security. He said the same focus must guide the 20th Congress.

“Ituloy natin ang mga imbestigasyon kontra katiwalian para lumabas ang katotohanan. Kasabay nito, doblehin natin ang sipag sa paggawa ng batas at programang direktang nakakatulong sa taumbayan: murang pagkain, trabaho na may sapat na suweldo, libreng ospital at gamot, edukasyon para sa lahat, at seguridad sa ating mga komunidad,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He concluded: “The House must remain the House of the People—a chamber of service, not of scandal. Challenges will come and go, but our mission remains: to serve, to deliver, and to keep faith with the Filipino people.”

Attending the meetings were:

• Agriculture & Food Chair Mark Enverga

• Aquaculture & Fisheries Resources Chair Tsuyoshi Horibata

• Ways & Means Chair Miro Quimbo

• Agrarian Reform Chair Eleanor Bulut Begtang

• Economic Affairs Chair Antonio Legarda Leviste

• Government Enterprises & Privatization Chair Eric Olivarez

• Health Chair Ciriaco Gato

• Basic Education Chair Roman Romulo

• Higher & Technical Education Chair Jude Acidre

• Public Works & Highways Chair Romeo Momo.