Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his closing address for the Christmas break of the House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon. He expressed gratitude for the hard work, collaboration and commitment to public service of his fellow lawmaker which enabled the House to achieve meaningful legislative accomplishments for the benefit of the Filipino people. Photo by VER NOVENO
Speaker Romualdez: Ayuda matter of justice, not charity
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday night 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 goes on its Christmas season recess.
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,” he said.
He added that governance means “not merely passing laws but ensuring that these laws translate into hope and dignity for every Filipino family.”
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House 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.
The same goes for national government budgeting, he said.
“While not everyone may be satisfied with the 2025 national budget, it is a budget that mirrors the true needs of our people – not just for daily survival, but for building a stronger foundation for a brighter and better future,” he said.
“Ang budget na ibinigay natin sa mga departments at agencies, yun lang kaya nilang gastusin sa loob ng isang taon. Walang labis, walang kulang,” he emphasized.
Speaker Romualdez 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.
“But we also recognize that the work is far from over. Inflation continues to affect the daily lives of our constituents. Families still struggle to put food on the table, and young filipinos dream of a future free from poverty,” he said.
“Alam natin ang problema sa araw-araw ng ating mga kababayan. Kausap natin sila sa mga panahong nasa distrito tayo. Kaya naman hindi tayo tumitigil na humanap ng solusyon sa mga problemang ito,” he said.
He added that in the days ahead, the House “will continue to champion policies that address these concerns – policies that provide opportunities, alleviate burdens, and inspire hope.”
