The Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday firmly denied claims that he exercises post-enactment control over government programs, describing recent accusations as misleading and politically motivated.
The statement came in response to allegations raised by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, who claimed that the Speaker exerts undue influence on allocations for programs like the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), AKAP, TUPAD, and the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP).
“These are baseless allegations,” said House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante. “The DSWD, DOLE, and DOH fully implement these programs. The Speaker’s office issues referrals, not approvals.”
Abante stressed that endorsements made by any congressional office are facilitative and do not guarantee funding or implementation. Final decisions, she said, remain with executive agencies, which follow their own guidelines, procedures, and availability of funds.
Citing the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in Belgica v. Executive Secretary, Abante said lawmakers are barred from exercising post-appropriation discretion. “The House under Speaker Romualdez upholds this constitutional safeguard,” she added.
Addressing Tiangco’s criticism of the small committee process, the Speaker’s office defended the mechanism as a long-standing, transparent, and institutional practice. “It does not replace plenary power,” the statement said. “It consolidates amendments for final approval and was used even during Tiangco’s tenure in House leadership—without objection.”
“If he seeks to change the process, he is free to do so in plenary,” Abante noted, adding that Speaker Romualdez is open to reform and actively pursuing transparency initiatives.
Among these are opening bicameral deliberations to public view, engaging civil society in budget scrutiny, and enhancing oversight without breaching separation of powers.
“This isn’t about theatrics,” said Abante. “It’s about ensuring every peso is spent transparently, efficiently, and in service of the Filipino people.”
