Leaders of the House of Representatives have thrown their support behind President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to conduct lifestyle checks on government officials, starting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chair of the House Committee on Human Rights, said he is fully backing the move but stressed that the checks must cover all branches of government.
“Ako, I’m in favor of that. Kung nais ng Pangulong simulan sa DPWH, well and good. Pero kinakailangan lahat… lahat ‘yan, pati Judiciary, lahat na. Talagang magkaroon ng lifestyle check. I’m in favor of what the President has said,” Abante said in a press conference Thursday.
Public Accounts Committee chair Rep. Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro Party-list also welcomed the initiative, saying even Congress and the judiciary should not be exempt.
“I think the call of course of the President is on all, but I’m also quite sure that he also wants to respect the co-equality of the branches of government. Wala naman hong problema na magkaroon din po ng lifestyle checks sa mga miyembro po ng Kongreso, miyembro po kahit ng hudikatura,” Ridon said.
He added: “Kasi syempre kailangan naman po talagang all-encompassing and more importantly, there are expectations on all government officials, on all government employees, that we should be able to lead and live modest lives.”
The Palace earlier confirmed that the President ordered lifestyle checks after inspecting 11 flood-control projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the initial focus will be on DPWH officials, but the scrutiny will eventually expand across the entire executive branch. Marcos also ordered a continuing audit of DPWH records.
According to the Palace, as of Wednesday morning, more than 9,020 reports of questionable flood-control projects have been filed through the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform. The public was once again urged to remain vigilant and report any anomalies in government projects in their areas.