Congressmen defend Romualdez from ‘political’ attacks

DAVAO CITY – Lawmakers have come to the defense of House Speaker Martin Romualdez after he was accused by former president Rodrigo Duterte of giving out funds to congressmen.

Duterte made the allegation after defending his daughter Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s requests for P500 million confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President and another P150 million for the Department of Education which Congress disapproved.

The former president wants an audit of the funds allegedly given out by Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos, who is said to be eyeing the presidency in the next election. Duterte’s daughter is likely to run for the presidency too.

But lawmakers criticized Duterte’s perceived “political” attacks on Romualdez.

Even House Secretary General Reginald Velasco issued a statement saying the House of Representatives the House of Representatives has no confidential and intelligence funds.

“All line items in our budget are subject to regular accounting and auditing rules and regulations. Laging bukas po ang gaming libro sa Commission on Audit. As per the latest COA report released on October 2, the House of Representatives has no disallowances. No notice of suspension and no notice of charge. Ibig pong sabihin pasado kami sa COA audit,” he said.

Velasco said that government expenditures should be transparent and fully auditable.

Lawmakers now wanted COA to look into the confidential and intelligence funds of Duterte’s daughter when she was mayor of Davao City, and how she spent P125 million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President in just 11 days. (Mindanao Examiner)