QUEZON CITY—House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamayang Liberal Partylist Representative Leila De Lima is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify anti-corruption bills as urgent to kick off the new year. 

De Lima’s proposed legislative package includes the strengthening of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the enactment of a "true" anti-political dynasty law. She also emphasized the critical need for laws targeting illicit enrichment and illegal transfers to better protect the national treasury from being squandered.

The lawmaker maintains that these certifications are a necessary "New Year’s resolution" for the executive branch to prove its commitment to genuine systemic reform rather than superficial gestures.

“Bagong taon na, gawin namang New Year’s Resolution ng Pangulo na i-certify as urgent ang mahahalagang batas laban sa katiwalian.” De Lima stresses

[“Now that the New Year has begun, the President should commit to a resolution of certifying critical anti-corruption legislation as urgent."]

De Lima used an analogy for the New Year, stating that if the President avoids these measures, his administration’s stance on corruption would be like a "substandard firework"—promising a big blast but ultimately failing to deliver. 

“Pag ganyan nang ganyan na iniiwasan ito ng Pangulo, para s’yang substandard na paputok. Nagpasabog pero supot.” The congresswoman added. 

[“With the President constantly dodging the issue, he’s like a cheap firework. He makes a big show of lighting the fuse, but nothing actually happens."]

Meanwhile, Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco called on the public to remain vigilant regarding the ongoing flood control corruption scandal. Tiangco warned that officials involved might be hoping the 2025 National Budget discussions will distract from the controversy and allow corruption issues to fade from the spotlight. 

“Tuwang-tuwa siguro sina Zaldy Co at Rep. Martin Romualdez kasi parang nalilihis na ang isyu at hindi na pinag-uusapan ang korapsyon bunsod ng 2025 national budget.” Representative Tiangco said 

[“Zaldy Co and Rep. Martin Romualdez are likely pleased that the focus is being diverted, moving the conversation away from the corruption allegations tied to the 2025 national budget."]

Both lawmakers are pushing for increased transparency to ensure that questionable insertions in the 2025 national budget do not go unaddressed.