The House of Representatives stood firm with its Ayuda programs, stating that it fulfilled its duties and responsibilities by helping Filipinos.
On Friday, June 13, Milky Rigonan reported that the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Atty. Princess Abante, maintained that Congress is mandated to serve the people, especially those in need.
“Tinawag si House Speaker Martin Romualdez na “tambaloslos” dahil sa kanyang pagtulong sa mga nagugutom, may sakit, at nawalan ng hanap-buhay,” Abante stated in defense to the House Speaker.
“Kung ang pagtulong sa iba ay itinuturing ng iba na kalokohan, mas gugustuhin na po naming matawag na “tambaloslos,” kaysa naman matawag na kawatan dahil sa pagnakaw sa kaban ng bayan,” she added.
Abante stressed that the assistance given to Filipinos goes through a clear process, has receipts, and is actually delivered to those in need.
“Ang ayudang ipinagkakaloob sa mahihirap na Pilipino ay may malinaw na proseso, may resibo, at may diretsong patutunguhan. Hindi ito tinatago, hindi nililihim, at lalong hindi nililipat sa personal na bank account,” she emphasized.
“Ang ayuda, nakakarating sa tao, hindi sa bulsa ng iilan. Ang tanong ng marami: ‘bakit ito nagagawa ngayon, pero hindi nagawa noon?’” she added.
The statement was released amid slander and intrigue regarding the House’s programs, such as the budget and financial assistance programs intended for the poor.
Rigonan reported that Senator Imee Marcos previously described the Romualdez and Araneta as “tambaloslos,” a Visayan mythical creature known to be greedy and who often led people astray. The report mentioned that Marcos said this when she was in Malaysia with Vice President Sara Duterte.
