House Speaker Martin Romualdez was quick to support President Marcos' call to realign national priorities with the everyday needs of Filipinos as far as the national budget is concerned.

The House leader issued a statement to this effect just minutes after Marcos wrapped up his State of the Nation Address (SONA) and left the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City on late Monday afternoon, July 28.

“The President’s message was clear: make government work better for the people. As Speaker, I am committed to making sure the budget reflects that – every centavo must go where it’s needed most,” Romualdez said.

He said the House leadership was prepared to act decisively on long-needed structural changes to the national budget process, and that these reforms must prioritize accountability, eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that spending directly addresses the needs of Filipino families.

“This is not just about numbers, it’s about making sure families feel the impact of every peso we allocate,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.

The House, which possesses the "power of the purse", gets first dibs on the National Expenditure Program (NEP). The NEP, which the executive submits to Congress, is the basis of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget.

The Speaker also echoed growing calls for transparency in budget deliberations, particularly in the bicameral conference committee, which reconciles Senate and House versions of the national budget.

“No backroom haggling. The people have every right to know how their money is being spent. If we want trust, we have to earn it, starting with an open bicam,” stressed Romualdez, Marcos' top ally in the legislature.

In line with the President’s priorities, Romualdez committed to channeling funding into high-impact sectors such as agriculture, public health and job creation, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.

“We need to put food on the table, ensure no family is crushed by hospital bills, and create jobs that restore dignity and hope. These are not abstract goals, they are urgent, real and long overdue,” he said.

Romualdez assured the public that the House will treat the proposed 2026 national budget with both urgency and seriousness, conscious of the pressing challenges confronting the country.

“No delay, no drama. The House will do its job with focus and compassion. Because at the end of the day, that budget isn’t about institutions. It’s about lives,” he said.

The House is expected to begin tackling the NEP in mid-August.