Romualdez pledges transparent budgeting, civil society involvement

House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez declared a new era of transparency and public accountability in government budgeting on Tuesday.

Romualdez announced plans to open the bicameral conference committee to civil society observers, marking a historic first for increased transparency.

The speaker emphasized that public watchdogs would be involved in all stages of budget deliberation, from committee hearings to final debates.

He also committed to strengthening oversight functions and conducting mid-year performance reviews of government agencies to address inefficiency and fund wastage.

Romualdez affirmed his support for President Marcos Jr.'s reform agenda while asserting the House's independent role in institutional accountability.

The Speaker announced a comprehensive congressional review of infrastructure projects to identify systemic weaknesses and policy gaps, focusing on issues like ghost projects and abuse of discretion.