Manila: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to realign national priorities with the everyday needs of Filipinos, vowing to champion budget reforms, an open bicam, and targeted investments in agriculture, health, and job creation. 'The President's message was clear: make government work better for the people. As Speaker, I am committed to making sure every centavo must go where it's needed most,' Romualdez said.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Speaker stated that the House leadership is prepared to act decisively on long-needed structural changes to the national budget process. These reforms must prioritize accountability, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure that spending directly addresses the needs of Filipino families. 'This is not just about numbers, it's about making sure families feel the impact of every peso we allocate,' he added.

Romualdez also supported growing calls for transparency in budget deliberations, particularly in the bicameral conference committee, which reconciles Senate and House versions of the national budget. 'No backroom haggling. The people have every right to know how their money is being spent. If we want trust, we have to earn it, starting with an open bicam,' the Speaker said.

In line with the President's priorities, Romualdez committed to channeling funding into high-impact sectors such as agriculture, public health, and job creation, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. He assured the public that the House will treat the proposed 2026 national budget with both urgency and seriousness, conscious of the pressing challenges confronting the country. 'No delay, no drama. The House will do its job with focus and compassion. Because at the end of the day, that budget isn't about institutions, it's about lives,' Romualdez said.