FILE

In a statement released on October 11, 2023, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said that the House of Representatives does not maintain any confidential or intelligence funds.

Velasco stated that all line items in the budget of the House of Representatives undergo regular accounting procedures and adhere to auditing rules and regulations. He assured the public that the House's financial records are always open for scrutiny by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Referring to the latest COA report released on October 2, Velasco highlighted that the House of Representatives has been found compliant. There were no disallowances, no notices of suspension, and no notices of charge against the House, indicating their successful passage of the COA audit.

The House Secretary General said that Congress shares the sentiments of former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the need for transparent government expenditures.

Speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Velasco said that Congress is committed to openness and accountability in financial matters.