Manila: The Visayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed full support for the leadership of Speaker Faustino Dy III amid criticisms over the non-release of funds for the congressional districts. 'The Visayan Bloc fully supports Speaker Dy and the leadership he has shown in guiding the House of Representatives, particularly in the crafting of the national budget,' Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the group's lead convenor, said in a statement. The bloc is composed of more than 40 lawmakers from the Visayas region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Benitez, who was among the signatories to an earlier manifesto expressing support for Dy, issued the statement days after he met with fellow legislators to 'discuss important matters and key issues affecting our country and our region' in the presence of the Speaker. The lawmaker from Bacolod said that under Dy's leadership, the House has 'pursued groundbreaking reforms that have ensured that the General Appropriations Act of 2026 was passed in a manner that was transparent, fair, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.'

Benitez highlighted that aside from prioritizing reforms intended to restore the public's trust in the House, Speaker Dy has consistently encouraged members to raise concerns through dialogue within the institution. He emphasized that the Visayan Bloc shares the Speaker's belief that 'we are stronger as a chamber when we address issues constructively while remaining focused on our mandate to serve our people.'

In a message to his fellow lawmakers on March 16, Dy stated, 'My door is always open to our colleagues in the House. The strength of this institution lies in our ability to talk openly, resolve concerns constructively, and work together despite differences.' Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno, who chairs the National Unity Party, had called out Dy for the budget cuts in their respective districts that have supposedly hindered the delivery of programs and projects to their constituents.