Manila: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday directed House committees to address allegations of irregularities in flood control projects with fairness and transparency while continuing legislative work to meet public needs. 'These are serious matters, and I emphasized that the integrity of the House must always be above question,' Romualdez stated after discussions with key committee chairpersons.

According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez stressed the importance of accountability among lawmakers as part of their commitment to public service. 'The House will face these matters openly and responsibly, so that truth may be established and justice may prevail,' he added, underscoring the need for transparency in the investigations.

Romualdez also reminded panel chairs that ongoing investigations should not hinder legislative progress. He highlighted the achievements of the 19th Congress, which advanced reforms in areas such as food security, jobs, education, healthcare, and national defense, despite political challenges.

'Each day consumed by politics is a day lost from our duty to serve,' Romualdez emphasized, urging the 20th Congress to focus on priority measures aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

The meeting was attended by several committee chairpersons, including Mark Enverga (Agriculture and Food), Tsuyoshi Horibata (Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources), Miro Quimbo (Ways and Means), Eleanor Bulut Begtang (Agrarian Reform), Antonio Legarda Leviste (Economic Affairs), Eric Olivarez (Government Enterprises and Privatization), Ciriaco Gato (Health), Roman Romulo (Basic Education), Jude Acidre (Higher and Technical Education), and Romeo Momo (Public Works and Highways).