Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said the House of Representatives will pursue a transparent budget-making process, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to the Speaker, the House leadership is prepared to act decisively on long-needed structural changes to the national budget process, adding 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,” Romualdez said.
His statement came as he expressed full support for the President’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,” Romualdez said.
He 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,” Romualdez said.
This developed as a group of legislators filed a resolution seeking to open the bicameral conference committee deliberations to the public.
The lawmakers were Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Akbayan party-list Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima.
In line with the President’s priorities, Romualdez likewise committed to channeling funding into high-impact sectors such as agriculture, public health and job creation, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
