Is there a brewing rift between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez?
This question surfaced after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin lashed out at the House of Representatives following Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno’s move to return the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) worth ₱6.793 trillion to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Malacañang suspects some lawmakers are trying to shift the blame for corruption in the national budget to the Executive Branch instead of owning up to Congress’ accountability in the controversy over the 2025 national budget.
“The Members of the Cabinet will not tolerate any attack on the integrity and reputation of the Executive Branch, and any effort to hold the budget process hostage by political theatrics,” Bersamin declared.
In a fiery statement, he threw shade at the House: “Clean your house first.”
Bersamin stressed that while the Marcos administration remains committed to resolving and holding accountable those behind anomalous flood control projects, the House of Representatives must also take responsibility and heed public demand for transparency.
“All our investigations into anomalies will be futile if the sources of corruption remain unchecked. Hence, we urge the House of Representatives to heed the demand of the people for full accountability,” Bersamin said.
It will be recalled that President Marcos ordered a thorough review of the 2026 budget, particularly allocations for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amid reports of double entries and questionable insertions linked to anomalous flood control projects.
On Wednesday, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to address the flagged issues within the two-week deadline, saying corrections to the 2026 NEP will be submitted through errata.