ABOVE BOARD
ALL the government’s ayuda have true beneficiaries and receipts and no notice of disallowance from the Commission on Audit (COA).
This is how Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has defended the allocation by Congress and the provision by the government of billions in financial assistance to millions of poor and financially-strapped Filipinos.
In his speech on the last session day of Congress for the year 2024, Romualdez seems to take a swipe at the utilization of confidential funds by the offices led by Vice President Sara Duterte, which were flagged over alleged questionable acknowledgement receipts.
The Speaker said as the country faces the “daunting challenges of inflation, global conflict, and natural disasters,” the House of Representatives would “stand firm in defending the provision of ayuda for our people.”
“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,” the Speaker pointed out.
He added that governance means “not merely passing laws but ensuring that these laws translate into hope and dignity for every Filipino family.”
Romualdez then assured ayuda critics and the nation in general that the Marcos administration is ready to account for the money spent for financial assistance.
“Sa mga kontra sa ayuda, handang ipakita ng administrasyong ito kung saan napunta ang bawat sentimong inilaan para rito. Ang may hawak ng pondo, ang mga departmento tulad ng DSWD, DOLE at DOH. Sila ang nagpapatakbo ng programa, hindi ang Kongreso,” he stressed.
“Lahat ng programang ito a may totoong benepisyaryo. May totoong resibo. Walang notice of disallowance mula sa Commission on Audit. Ang trabaho ng Kongreso: tiyakin ang pondo rito at masiguro na nakakarating nang maayos sa mga benepisyaryo,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez pointed out that the 2025 national budget, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to sign next week, responds to the needs of Filipinos, including financial assistance.
He said the budget “is a testament to our commitment to prioritizing the welfare of our people.”
“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 said.
He stressed that 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.”
“Alam ng bawat pamilyang pilipino: mahirap pag-kasyahin ang budget para sa araw-araw na kailangan. Bawat miyembro ng pamilya, may reklamo sa budget na nakalaan sa kanya. Pero sa kabuuan, ang desisyon ng pamilya ay para sa isang budget na makakabuti para sa lahat,” he said.
