The House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez will continue to exercise its oversight functions to address the causes of soaring food and electricity costs, and even ensure accountability in the use of public funds, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said Sunday.
“ We will continue to strengthen the power of Congress to go after irregularities that make things difficult for our people. We will not let this ill practice go on just like this to affect prices of food and electricity go up,” he said.
The Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super Committee, is actively investigating agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation, which have been identified as key factors driving food inflation.
“We are uncovering the mechanisms that allow cartels to thrive, and this House is determined to dismantle these networks of greed,” Gonzales said.
The House committees on ways and means and legislative franchises have been scrutinizing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to ensure it meets its obligations, pays the proper taxes and refrains from passing undue charges to consumers.
The Quad Comm, for its part, has been taking up critical issues, including illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, their links to money laundering, and extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration.
“This probe is not just about accountability: It is about upholding human rights and protecting our national interests,” Gonzales said.
Another key investigation led by the Blue Ribbon Committee has zeroed in on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.
The Pampanga lawmaker raised concern about the alarming proliferation of vloggers and internet trolls maligning innocent people through fake news.
“Social media must nit be used to malign and disinform against those advancing the truth and accountability,” he said.
On the legislative front, he lauded the House of Representatives’ achievements under Romualdez’s leadership.
“With 166 laws enacted, including 27 out of 28 LEDAC priority measures and 61 out of 64 priority measures under the CLA for the 19th Congress, the House has proven its ability to deliver results that directly benefit Filipinos,” he said.
Pending measures are also geared toward strengthening the economy and public welfare, among these is House Bill 9729, which aims to enhance MSME productivity through shared-use equipment and resources.
In health, an amendment to the Universal Health Care Act is in the works to improve benefit packages and adjust premium contribution schemes.
Congress is also deliberating on a National Flood Control Plan to address recurring flooding in disaster-prone areas, Gonzales said, adding “we need a comprehensive approach to mitigate flooding and help communities recover more quickly.”
He said education remains a top priority, and that as the 19th Congress enters its final stretch, the House reaffirms its commitment to serving the Filipino people.
“Oversight and legislation are two sides of the same coin. Both are essential in ensuring that our people live better lives,” he emphasized.
“Under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House will continue to uphold accountability, pass impactful laws and deliver results for the nation,” he said.