THE House of Representatives will continue to focus on work despite the political noise caused by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s allegations against congressmen as retaliation to their decision to strip his daughter, Vice President Sara, of confidential funds under the P5.768 trillion proposed national budget for 2024, Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez said yesterday.
“We will not be deterred by distractions or intimidation. We recognize our responsibility to the nation, and we will continue to work diligently, regardless of the circumstances,” Fernandez said in a statement.
The administration lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on public order and safety, underscored the importance of focusing on the legislative agenda and not being swayed by external pressures.
The elder Duterte last week lambasted the House for realigning his daughter’s P650 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) — P500 million for the Office of the Vice President and P150 million for the Department of Education, which the younger Duterte also heads as concurrent Education Secretary, to the budget of other civilian offices to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other agencies at the forefront of defending the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The former president even accused Speaker Martin Romualdez of attacking his daughter for being perceived as a “good” presidential candidate for 2028, saying the Speaker himself wants to seek the presidency.
The House has reallocated a total of P1.23 billion in confidential funds from certain government institutions to security agencies, especially amid escalating tensions with China.
“We will not allow political noise to divert our attention from the work that needs to be done,” said Fernandez. “Our intent is to ensure that these funds contribute effectively to the well-being of our citizens and the advancement of the nation’s interests.”
Congress adjourned last September 28 and is set to resume its session on November 6. During the five-week break, all standing and special committees of the House have the authority to hold hearings to expedite the passage of urgent measures.
Last Friday, Fernandez, along with fellow House members, joined the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in destroying nearly P6 billion worth of illegal drugs as part of the Marcos administration’s campaign for a bloodless war on drugs.
Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga said his committee on agriculture and food will also continue working amid the political noise by checking the prices of rice, onions and other agricultural products.
“Upon the instruction of our Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and in line with the desire of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make food products affordable, we will observe and address food inflation,” he said.
Enverga said his panel would conduct public hearings and inquiries and hold consultations with stakeholders, if necessary, to avert any unreasonable increase in the prices of basic staples.
He added that he and his colleagues should not be “distracted” by the controversy surrounding the request and use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs).
“That’s water under the bridge now because the House has already decided to realign those funds to agencies concerned with the country’s security and territorial integrity. Those affected should respect the House decision,” said Enverga, whose committee conducted a four-month inquiry into the sudden increase in the price of onions after it skyrocketed to as much as P800 a kilo last December.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier announced that the NBI has filed charges against those found involved in onion hoarding and price manipulation after a lengthy investigation.
Rep. Ron S. Salo (PL, Kabayan), chair of the House Committee on overseas workers affairs, said the Speaker has also instructed his panel to conduct public consultations and hearings to discuss measures supporting the government’s programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those returning to the country.
“This directive is made more relevant in light of the repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As our brave OFWs return to our homeland, often after enduring various challenges abroad, we believe it is our duty to provide them with comprehensive support and assistance,” he said.
Salo said his panel will look into possible legislation to protect OFWs and ensure their better reintegration into society in sync with the Marcos administration’s programs for the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
