Speaker Dy admits public trust in House declined

Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III on Monday acknowledged that the trust of the public in the House of Representatives has gone down, as he called on House personnel to bring this trust back by continuing to serve the people.

"Masakit mang tanggapin, talagang bumaba ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa ating institusyon. Pero ito rin ay paalala na mas kailangan nating pagbutihin ang ating trabaho at ibalik ang tiwalang iyon sa pamamagitan ng tapat na paglilingkod," Dy said in his speech during this morning's flag raising ceremony at the House.

(It may be hard to accept but public trust in our institution really went down. But this is a reminder that we need to do better at our jobs and bring back that trust through honest service.)

Dy also acknowledged the personal challenges faced by House personnel.

"Alam kong hindi po madali ang sitwasyon ng Kongreso sa panahong ito. Mabigat ang hamon sa ating institusyon at maging sa bawat isa sa atin. May nababalitaan pa nga po ako na may mga kasamahan tayong kailangan pang magpalit o mag-alis ng uniporme bago pumasok dahil sa takot na mapag-initan habang nagco-commute papunta dito sa Kongreso," he said.

(I know these are hard times for Congress. The challenge to our institution and even to each of us is heavy. I even heard that some of our personnel needed to change out of their uniforms due to fears they may be singled out while commuting to work.

Dy also thanked House personnel for their contributions as he appealed for their support and trust.

"Sa mga nakaraang pagdinig ng budget na umabot hanggang madaling araw, nandoon pa rin kayo, patuloy na nakasuporta at nagsusumikap. Walang batas na maipapasa at walang sesyon na maisasagawa kung wala ang inyong sipag at dedikasyon. Walang katumbas na salita ang aming pasasalamat. Muli, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo. Bilang inyong Speaker, alam kong hindi ko kayang gampanan ang tungkuling ito nang ako lamang. Kailangan ko po ang tulong at tiwala ninyong lahat," Dy said.

(During the past budget hearings that ran past midnight, you were there continuing to provide support. There is no law that can be passed and no session that can be held without your hard work and dedication. Words are not enough to express our thanks. So again, thank you very very much to you all. As your Speaker, I know I cannot do this job by myself. I need your help and trust.)

The speaker enjoined House personnel to continue serving the nation.

"Tandaan natin: hindi tayo nagsisilbi para sa sarili, kundi para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino na umaasa sa atin. Maaaring hindi laging napapansin o nabibigyang-puri ang inyong mga sakripisyo ngunit gawin pa rin natin nang tama," Dy said.

(Let us remember: We are not serving just ourselves but every Filipino family that depends on us. Our sacrifices may not always be seen or praised but let us still do what is right.)

"Ngayong umaga, habang nakaharap tayo sa ating watawat, alalahanin natin na hindi lang ito simbolo ng ating bansa. Ito ay simbolo ng ating panata: na maglingkod nang marangal, mahusay at makatao. Magtulungan tayo. Magkaisa po tayo. Kasama sa ating bawat gawain at bawat hakbang ang diwa ng pagiging makabayan," he added.

(This morning, while we face our flag, let us remember that this does not just symbolize our nation. It symbolizes our pledge to serve with dignity in an excellent and humane way. Let us help each other. Let us unite. In each service and step we take lies the spirit of patriotism.) 

Last month, Dy said all public officials, including members of the House of Representatives, should release the copies of their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to win back public trust amid outrage over trillions worth of pesos allegedly lost in anomalous flood control projects.

This came after contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya disclosed the names of several congressmen, their staff, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways who are allegedly involved in corruption in the country’s flood control projects. The lawmakers have denied links to anomalous projects. —KG, GMA Integrated News