House rocked in the year just ended

The House of Representatives weathered a storm of criticism and controversy in 2023, but emerged claiming legislative triumphs amid accusations of political motives and hidden agendas.

The chamber sparked fiery debate by scrapping confidential funds for several agencies, including those headed by former President Rodrigo Duterte's daughter Sara.

Duterte himself lashed out, calling the House "the most rotten institution" and attributing the move to 2028 election ambitions.

The House led by Speaker Martin Romualdez denied political motivations, insisting the funds were reallocated to security forces tasked with protecting Philippine waters and fishermen amid Chinese encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.

Despite the turmoil, the House hailed its passage of key bills, including 20 identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, months ahead of schedule.

They also touted Marcos' 17 State of the Nation Address priorities, passed before the year ended.

Other reported achievements included passing bills on agrarian reform, tax amnesty, healthcare, and the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund.

The chamber also took credit for curbing soaring onion prices and distributing aid to the underprivileged.

Despite facing accusations of secrecy and pork barrel politics, the House ended the year with a defiant stance, vowing to continue its mission to utilize the national budget next year to address inflation, rice prices, jobs and social services.