HOUSE TO PURSUE OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS TO LOWER FOOD, POWER COSTS; INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY OF GOV'T OFFICIALS, USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS

House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. said the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, will continue to exercise its oversight functions to address rising food and electricity costs while ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

"Patuloy nating palalakasin ang kapangyarihan ng oversight ng Kamara para tugisin ang mga iregularidad na gawain na nagpapahirap sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi natin hahayaang magpatuloy ang mga maling practice na nagdudulot ng mataas na presyo ng pagkain at kuryente," Gonzales stated on Sunday, January 12, as Congress resumes its session this Monday following the Christmas break.

The Quinta Comm, or Murang Pagkain Super Committee, is actively investigating agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation, which are key drivers of food inflation. Gonzales emphasized the House's determination to dismantle these corrupt networks.

"We are uncovering the mechanisms that allow cartels to thrive, and this House is determined to dismantle these networks of greed," he added.

Additionally, the House Committees on Ways and Means and Legislative Franchises are scrutinizing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to ensure it fulfills its obligations, pays proper taxes, and does not pass undue charges onto consumers.

The Quad Comm has been addressing issues such as illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), their connections to money laundering, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration. Gonzales underscored the significance of this investigation, stating, "This probe is not just about accountability: It is about upholding human rights and protecting our national interests."

A key investigation by the Blue Ribbon Committee is focusing on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

Gonzales also condemned the spread of fake news and the actions of vloggers and internet trolls who malign innocent people. "Hindi dapat gamitin ang social media para sa paninira at disinformation laban sa mga nagsusulong ng katotohanan at accountability," he said.

On the legislative front, Gonzales commended the House's achievements under Speaker Romualdez's leadership, noting that 166 laws have been enacted, including 27 out of 28 LEDAC priority measures and 61 out of 64 priority measures under the CLA for the 19th Congress.

Pending measures include House Bill 9729, which aims to enhance MSME productivity through shared-use equipment and resources, and a proposal to provide incentives for barangay micro-businesses to formalize their registration and gain government support.

In health, an amendment to the Universal Health Care Act is being worked on to improve benefit packages and adjust premium contribution schemes. The House is also deliberating on a National Flood Control Plan to address recurring flooding in disaster-prone areas, which Gonzales called urgent.

Education remains a priority with bills that aim to improve access and quality, including creating a Private Basic Education Voucher Program and establishing a Bureau of Private Education.

As the 19th Congress nears its final stretch, Gonzales reaffirmed the House's commitment to serving the Filipino people. "Oversight and legislation are two sides of the same coin. Both are essential in ensuring that our people live better lives," he said.

"Under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House will continue to uphold accountability, pass impactful laws and deliver results for the nation," Gonzales concluded.