MANILA — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed the call from business leaders and civil society to stamp out corruption in government, assuring that the House of Representatives will never condone abuses in public service.

“I welcome and respect the strong statement made by our partners in the business community and civil society calling for an end to corruption in government. Their concern echoes the very principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that the House of Representatives has committed to uphold,” Romualdez said.

Thirty of the country’s biggest business groups earlier condemned graft in government, particularly at the Department of Public Works and Highways, local government units, and the Commission on Audit. In their joint statement, the groups said their appeal was not simply to “moderate greed” but a demand for corrupt officials to stop and show mercy to the people.

Romualdez stressed that Congress will not tolerate wrongdoing in any branch of government.

“Let me be clear: the House of the People will never condone corruption, whether in public works, local governance, or any other area of government service,” he said.

He added that allegations of wrongdoing must be “investigated thoroughly and addressed decisively,” noting his support for independent scrutiny and prosecution to hold erring officials accountable.

The Speaker pointed to reforms under the 20th Congress to restore public trust in the budget process, including more transparency in budget hearings and bicameral deliberations, stricter oversight of lump-sum and unprogrammed appropriations, and greater citizen participation through watchdog groups and civil society.

He also cited ongoing efforts to pass the proposed Budget Modernization Act, which seeks to institutionalize a performance-based, cash-based, and results-oriented spending framework.

“These reforms are not mere rhetoric—they are concrete actions designed to ensure that every peso in the national budget is allocated properly, spent prudently, and accounted for responsibly,” Romualdez said.

He urged the private sector, professionals, and civic groups to work with Congress in ensuring the full implementation of reforms.

“Together, let us build a governance culture where every peso is protected, every project is transparent, and every public official is held to the highest standard of service,” he said.