By Junex Doronio
WITHOUT MENTIONING THE NAME of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Speaker Martin Romualdez has disputed the allegation that the House of Representatives “enjoy unlimited pork barrel” which only came out after the lower chamber thrashed the P650-million confidential funds for 2024 for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
On Saturday, Nov. 4, Romualdez stressed that the House of Representatives has “categorically abolished the pork barrel system”.
“Honoring the Supreme Court’s (SC) directive, we have instituted reforms to categorically abolish the pork barrel system. Our commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and exemplary governance remains stronger than ever,” Romualdez said.
On Saturday, the House of Representatives also submitted the P5.768-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to the Senate.
“We have undertaken rigorous measures to ensure judicious and lawful allocation of funds. Our reforms echo our unwavering commitment to serving our people with utmost integrity,” said Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s 1st district.
Many Visayans are now rooting for MR, as Romualdez supporters call the Speaker, to run for president in 2028.
They said they would like to see another Visayan — and this time, a Waray — to become the country’s Chief Executive after Sergio Osmeña Sr. of Cebu, Manuel Acuña Roxas of Capiz, and Carlos Polistico Garcia of Bohol.
(ai/mnm)