MANILA—The House of Representatives rejected claims that Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez or his office exercises post-appropriation control over national government programs, calling the accusations “baseless” and contrary to law.

In a statement, House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante emphasized that programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Abot-Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the Medical Assistance for Indigents Program (MAIP) are exclusively implemented by executive agencies—including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Health (DOH).

“These agencies retain full authority over the approval, funding, and implementation of their respective programs, in accordance with law and internal procedures,” Abante said.

She clarified that endorsements or referrals from congressional offices, including that of the Speaker, are “strictly facilitative and do not guarantee or influence approval.” Final decisions, she said, rest solely with implementing agencies.

“To allege otherwise is to misrepresent the law and institutional practice,” Abante added, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Belgica v. Executive Secretary, which prohibits lawmakers from intervening in public fund disbursements after budget approval.

Abante also defended the House’s use of a small committee to consolidate individual amendments during the budget process, calling it a “longstanding parliamentary practice” used across several Congresses, including those where Congressman Toby Tiangco held leadership roles. She said the mechanism does not bypass the plenary and that its outputs are included in the final General Appropriations Bill.

“To characterize it as a ‘secret meeting’ is misleading and undermines the institutional memory and processes of the House,” she said.

“If Congressman Tiangco believes the rules must be changed, he is free—and encouraged—to raise the matter formally before the plenary. The Speaker will respect the decision of the majority,” Abante said.

She also said Speaker Romualdez is leading budget reforms, which include opening the bicameral conference committee to public scrutiny, inviting civil society as watchdogs during deliberations, eliminating inefficiencies in fund releases, and bolstering congressional oversight while respecting separation of powers.

“Let us not allow political theatrics to distract from the real work at hand: ensuring that every peso in the national budget is spent transparently, efficiently, and in service of the Filipino people,” Abante said.