By Billy Begas
A stalwart of the National Unity Party (NUP) stressed that the leadership of the House of Representatives should elevate the concerns of its members to the appropriate government agencies and not merely listen to them.
Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano issued the statement after Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez pointed out concerns about the timing of the release and implementation of budget allocation is beyond the purview of the House leadership.
Valeriano said that the NUP expressed their gratitude to Hernandez for his candor in acknowledging that the matter of project implementation is beyond the immediate control of the House leadership.
“However, if these matters are indeed beyond the authority of House leadership, then it raises a question on the value of having further discussions under an open‑door policy if the concerns raised by House members cannot be acted upon. An open door is always welcome, but meaningful dialogue must also be accompanied by a clear path toward resolving the concerns that have been raised,” said Valeriano in a statement.
While the implementation of projects belong to the Executive branch, Valeriano said that “Congress’ responsibility does not end with the passage of the General Appropriations Act as it exercises oversight over budget implementation.”
“Thus, Congress’ leadership is expected to ensure that concerns raised by its members are not merely heard, but elevated, coordinated with the appropriate agencies, and acted upon with urgency,” the solon said.
Valeriano also pointed out that the projects are already authorized by law and directly affect the delivery of services to constituents.
“These are not theoretical concerns, but real problems being experienced on the ground. When concerns reach the level of Congressional leadership, it is often because its effects are already being felt in the communities we represent,” he said.
“These concerns reflect the concerns of our constituents, whose livelihoods, local economies, and access to public services depend on the timely implementation of government programs,” Valeriano added.
Valeriano said the NUP remains committed to working with all branches of government and with fellow House members “to find practical solutions that will allow programs, projects, and services intended for our communities to move forward without unnecessary disruption.”
“At the end of the day, our foremost responsibility is to the Filipino people who placed their trust in us. Their welfare must remain the guiding principle in how we respond to the challenges before us,” Valeriano added.
