Manila, Philippines — December 13, 2025
Surigao del Sur 1st District Representative Romeo Momo Sr. has stepped down as a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) responsible for finalizing the proposed ₱6.793 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2026, citing respect for the legislative process.
Momo said his resignation should not be construed as an admission of wrongdoing, stressing that the move was intended to prevent budget deliberations from being distracted by personal controversies raised against him. He added that his decision was aimed at allowing lawmakers to focus fully on reconciling the differing budget versions approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The lawmaker’s resignation came a day after Atty. Mary Helen Polinar Zafra, claiming to represent several groups from Surigao, filed complaints against him alleging plunder, graft, and other related offenses.
The Bicameral Conference Committee is composed of selected members from both chambers of Congress and is tasked with harmonizing the House and Senate versions of the national budget before its final ratification.
The proposed 2026 national budget outlines priority allocations for education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and social protection programs. On the House side, the bicam is chaired by Appropriations Committee Chairperson Mika Suansing, together with other members of the lower chamber.
Momo expressed confidence that his decision to step aside would help safeguard the credibility, integrity, and transparency of the national budget process as deliberations move forward.