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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Momo resigns as House budget bicam member amid plunder raps, cites 'delicadeza'

Momo resigns as House budget bicam member amid plunder raps, cites 'delicadeza'

Published Dec 13, 2025 02:58 pm

At A Glance

  • Beleaguered Surigao del Sur 1st district Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., resigned on Saturday, Dec. 13 as a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget for 2026.
Surigao del Sur 1st district Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. (Facebook)
Surigao del Sur 1st district Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. (Facebook)


Beleaguered Surigao del Sur 1st district Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., resigned on Saturday, Dec. 13 as a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget for 2026.
Momo made the announcement just minutes before the bicam--composed of contingents from the House of Representatives and the Senate--convened for the first time to discuss the 2026 outlay.
"Guided by my firm belief and respect for our democratic institutions, and my enduring commitment to public service, I have formally tendered my courtesy resignation as a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee deliberating on the [GAB] for Fiscal Year 2026," he said in a statement just minutes before the start of the bicam hearings at 2 p.m.
"This decision was neither easy nor impulsive. It was made after deep reflection and with full awareness of the responsibilities entrusted to me as a legislator," Momo said.
On Friday, Mary Helen Zafra led the filing before the Office of the Ombudsman of plunder and graft complaints against Momo and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over the awarding of supposed billions worth of contracts to the lawmaker's construction firm.
"In light of the recent filing of a case before the Office of the Ombudsman involving allegations against me and certain members of my family--allegations which I categorically deny and firmly believe to be false, baseless, and politically motivated-I deemed it proper to step aside from the Bicameral Conference Committee out of delicadeza and in the interest of institutional integrity," said Momo, who was originally part of the 12-person House contingent.
He said his resignation would ensure that Congress "would not be unnecessarily drawn into controversy".
"This decision reflects my respect for Congress as an institution and my belief that it must be protected above personal considerations," he said.
But the Mindanaoan was adamant that he was not admitting the allegations lodged before the Ombudsman.
"Let me be clear: this courtesy resignation is not an admission of guilt. It is an affirmation of the values that must guide every public servant-honor, integrity, accountability, and respect for our institutions."
"I remain fully confident that the truth will prevail through the proper legal processes. I welcome due process and trust in the rule of law, for a clear conscience fears no investigation," he added.
Momo had earlier said that he was no longer connected to the subject construction company.
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