Momo resigns as member of 2026 nat'l budget bicam

Surigao del Sur 1st District Representative Romeo Momo Sr. has resigned as part of the House of Representatives’ contingent in the Bicameral Conference Committee for the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

“Guided by my firm belief and respect for our democratic institutions, and my enduring commitment to public service, I have formally tendered my courtesy resignation as a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee deliberating on the General Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2026,” Momo said.

“This decision was neither easy nor impulsive. It was made after deep reflection and with full awareness of the responsibilities entrusted to me as a legislator,” the lawmaker said.

Momo resigned from the bicam a day after plunder and graft complaints were filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged P1.4 billion worth of government contracts bagged by the construction firm owned by his family.

A group of Catholic priests and lawyers from Tandag, Surigao del Sur said that based on government records, Momo family’s Surigao La Suerte Corp. (SLSC) allegedly received P1.4 billion in fuel and infrastructure government contracts across the province while Momo was the company's director and a Surigao del Sur representative.

“In light of the recent filing of a case before the Office of the Ombudsman involving allegations against me and certain members of my family-allegations which I categorically deny and firmly believe to be false, baseless, and politically motivated - I deemed it proper to step aside from the Bicameral Conference Committee out of delicadeza and in the interest of institutional integrity,” Momo said.

“In solidarity with the efforts of the House Leadership to restore and strengthen public trust in Congress, I chose to resign from this particular assignment so that the institution itself would not be unnecessarily drawn into controversy. This decision reflects my respect for Congress as an institution and my belief that it must be protected above personal considerations,” he said.

The lawmaker clarified that his courtesy resignation “is not an admission of guilt,” but “an affirmation of the values that must guide every public servant-honor, integrity, accountability, and respect for our institutions.”

“I remain fully confident that the truth will prevail through the proper legal processes. I welcome due process and trust in the rule of law, for a clear conscience fears no investigation.

While I step back from this specific responsibility, I remain steadfast in my duty as a Member of the House of Representatives and as the duly elected Representative of the First District of Surigao del Sur,” he said.

Momo asked the public that judgment be reserved only for the proper forum, “where facts-not propaganda-are heard.”

The Bicameral Conference Committee convened on Saturday afternoon to discuss the proposed 2026 budget. —KG, GMA Integrated News