Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has announced significant reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government budgeting. During a plenary session of the 20th Congress, Romualdez declared the opening of the traditionally closed bicameral conference committee to civil society observers, marking a historic shift towards participatory governance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez emphasized the importance of public involvement in all stages of budget deliberation, from committee hearings to final plenary debates. This move is intended to combat corruption and build public trust. He assured that all discussions would be accessible via television and social media platforms, inviting the public to actively engage in the process.

Romualdez also committed to addressing inefficiency and wastage in government spending. He announced plans for Congress to conduct mid-year performance reviews of agencies, ensuring that budget allocations are performance-based. This aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to tackle corruption in public service, as Romualdez pledged his support for the President's reform agenda while maintaining the House's independent role in accountability.

Furthermore, Romualdez revealed a forthcoming congressional review of infrastructure projects and fund implementation, aiming to identify weaknesses and policy gaps. The review will scrutinize ghost projects, bloated contracts, and fund mismanagement, with an eye toward fostering real-time monitoring and accountability.

In his concluding remarks, Romualdez reminded Congress of its moral duty to safeguard public funds, emphasizing that these resources are meant for the people and should not be misused.