SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Friday said the House of Representatives will not condone corruption.
Romualdez issued the statement following calls from business leaders and civil society groups to stamp out graft in government.
“I welcome and respect the strong statement made by our partners in the business community and civil society calling for an end to corruption in government. Their concern echoes the very principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that the House of Representatives has committed to uphold,” Romualdez said.
At least 30 major business organizations earlier condemned corruption in public service, citing cases in the Department of Public Works and Highways, local government units, and the Commission on Audit.
In a joint statement, the groups said their demand was not simply to “moderate greed” but to put an end to corrupt practices.
He said allegations of wrongdoing should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, stressing that the House supports independent scrutiny and accountability.
Congress will not tolerate wrongdoing in any branch of government, he added.
“Let me be clear: the House of the People will never condone corruption, whether in public works, local governance, or any other area of government service,” he said.
He noted that the chamber has introduced reforms in the budget process under the 20th Congress, including livestreamed budget hearings, stricter oversight of lump-sum funds, and expanded participation of watchdog groups.
The House is also pushing the proposed Budget Modernization Act to institutionalize performance-based and results-oriented spending.
