The House of Representatives stood firm behind Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has come under personal attack for simply helping the poor.
“Helping the poor should never be something to be embarrassed about,” House spokesperson Princess Abante said in Tagalog on Friday.
“If helping the hungry and the sick is considered foolish by some, we would rather be called names than be accused of stealing from the nation’s coffers,” she added.
Abante emphasized that all financial assistance extended to indigent Filipinos and supported by the House leadership is aboveboard, went through the proper processes, with documentation and clear beneficiaries.
“There are receipts, there is a process, and the assistance goes directly to those in need. None of it ends up in a personal bank account,” she said.
Abante pointed out that the real concern should be directed at abusive public officials with questionable confidential and intelligence funds, or undeclared accounts with large, unexplained sums.
“While others are busy traveling abroad, appearing in media, or engaging in early campaigning, Speaker Romualdez is working—crafting laws, safeguarding the national budget, and delivering aid to those who need it most,” she added.
Abante also clarified that Romualdez is not eyeing a higher post nor seeking media attention.
“He doesn’t chase media exposure. He doesn’t hold press conferences for personal interest. He doesn’t use social media to act cute. His priority is public service, not ambition,” she said.
The House spokesperson also questioned the motives behind the criticisms, noting that Romualdez is not among the names being floated for the 2028 elections.
“Why target the Speaker when he isn’t even in the 2028 surveys? Maybe he’s being used to stir intrigue, slander, and gain public attention,” Abante said.
To those questioning the government’s aid efforts, the House had this to say:
“While others spend their time mocking and smearing, we are busy working. We may be quiet, but we are not blind. And we will not turn a blind eye to corruption. We choose to work—no drama.”
