Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has defended the allocation by Congress and the provision by the government of billions in financial assistance or “ayuda” to millions of poor and financially strapped Filipinos.
He made the impassioned defense in remarks before his colleagues and the nation on the last day of session of Congress before the legislature went on its Christmas season recess.
The country faces the “daunting challenges of inflation, global conflict, and natural disasters,” and that the House of Representatives would “stand firm in defending the provision of ayuda for our people,” he stressed.
“Let me share the story of a single mother from Samar who, during the height of rising prices, relied on financial assistance to keep her children fed and in school. She represents millions of Filipinos whose lives have been touched by our legislative efforts,” he said.
“To those who doubted the importance of social safety nets, let this be a reminder: ayuda is not charity; it is justice. It is our duty to ensure that no Filipino falls through the cracks, especially in times of crisis,” he added.
He said governance means “not merely passing laws but ensuring that these laws translate into hope and dignity for every Filipino family.” He assured the “ayuda” critics and the nation in general that the Marcos administration is ready to account for the money spent for financial assistance.
“To those against ‘ayuda,’ the administration is ready to show to you where each centavo of it goes. Those handling the funds are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Health. They are the ones implementing the program, and not Congress,” he added.
Moreover, he stated, “all programs have real beneficiaries. There are real receipts. There is no notice of disallowance from thr Commission on Audit. The work of Congress is to ensure the fund allocation, and that it reaches the beneficiaries.”
The 2025 national budget to be signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. next week. responds to the needs of Filipinos, including thefinancial assistance, the Speaker said. The budget “is a testament to our commitment to prioritizing the welfare of our people” he noted.
“This is not just a budget. It is a blueprint for hope. It ensures funding for vital programs that bolster economic recovery, create jobs and provide much-needed relief for struggling families,” he said.
“It is the cornerstone upon which the government operates and the key to supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In his ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ program,” he stressed.
With the approval of the proposed P6.352-trillion spending program for next year, “we will be more capable of advocating for the concerns of the underprivileged, pursuing justice for the downtrodden, and formulating policies that foster equality and dignity for all citizens,” he maintained.
The same goes for national government budgeting, he said.
The Speaker told House members that the chamber’s legislative agenda this year focused on economic recovery and growth.
“By passing measures that promote job creation, support small and medium enterprises, and attract foreign investments, we have laid the foundation for a more robust and inclusive economy,” he said.
In the days ahead, the House “will continue to champion policies that address these concerns – policies that provide opportunities, alleviate burdens, and inspire hope,” he emphasized.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Romualdez: ‘Ayuda’ is not an act of charity, it is justice for struggling Filipinos”
