Speaker Dy Opens Door for Dialogue as House Faces Budget Release Crisis

MANILA - House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has assured his colleagues that his office remains open for constructive dialogue, as tensions rise over delayed fund releases affecting districts across the archipelago.

The assurance comes after Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Dy's leadership, citing the Department of Budget and Management's failure to download crucial infrastructure and social service funds to various districts nationwide.

Budget Impasse Affects Rural Communities

"My door is always open to our colleagues in the House. The strength of this institution lies in our ability to talk openly, resolve concerns constructively, and work together despite differences," Dy said in a statement Monday.

The Speaker emphasized that the 2026 General Appropriations Act was crafted "equitably" to address the people's needs, particularly in rural and urban communities across the country's diverse regions.

However, Puno revealed during a press briefing that allocations have been marked "for later release" (FLR), effectively freezing funds meant for critical programs including infrastructure projects and assistance programs like AICS, MAIFIP, and TUPAD.

Personal Friendship Tested by Political Duty

In a candid admission, Puno acknowledged his long-standing friendship with the Dy family while maintaining his criticism stems from duty to constituents.

"Personally, I love the House Speaker. When Bojie was still young we were already friends, his father and his siblings were my friends," Puno said. "But he is not doing what he is supposed to do."

The Deputy Speaker warned that several National Unity Party members are considering joining the Minority bloc if the budget release issue remains unresolved.

Middle East Crisis Takes Priority

Dy responded by highlighting the House's focus on legislation addressing the Middle East crisis effects on Filipino communities, particularly overseas workers and their families.

"In these trying times I have asked the members of the House, the various committees, and the staff to focus on legislation that will help our countrymen deal with the effects of the crisis in the Middle East," the Speaker stated.

The budget standoff reflects broader concerns about resource allocation to provinces and districts, where local leaders face mounting pressure to deliver promised infrastructure and social services to their constituents.

Political observers note this marks the first public criticism of Dy's leadership since he assumed the speakership, though rumors of internal tensions have circulated since late 2025.

The House leadership crisis comes at a critical time when effective governance and resource distribution remain essential for maintaining stability across the Philippines' diverse regions and communities.