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Gilbert Bayoran - The Philippine Star
March 19, 2026 | 12:00am
House Speaker Bojie Dy holds a press conference.
House of Representatives / Released
BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Lawmakers from the Visayas have expressed support for the leadership of Speaker Faustino Dy III, whom they said has been pursuing reforms in the House of Representatives, particularly in crafting the national budget.
Led by Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez of the lone district of Bacolod City, the House’s Visayas bloc is composed of about 50 lawmakers from across the region.
Benitez said the 2026 General Appropriations Act is a product of months of deliberations and consultations.
He said that under Dy’s leadership, the House ensured that the budget is transparent, fair and responsive to the needs of the people.
The Visayas bloc released the statement after Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), hinted at the possibility of moving to the minority due to what he described as a “lack of leadership” from Dy.
Puno said a majority of lawmakers felt abandoned due to budget woes.
He said that funds for infrastructure and social protection have not been released or were redirected to other districts.
Puno earlier said the NUP may discuss during the Lenten break the possibility of shifting to the minority.
Benitez said Dy has consistently encouraged members to raise concerns through dialogues within the institution.
“We share his belief that we are stronger as a chamber when we address issues constructively while remaining focused on our mandate to serve our people aside from prioritizing reforms intended to restore public trust in the House,” Benitez said.
The NUP is the second largest political party in the House, next to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Among the NUP members are Reps. Alfredo Maranon III and Jeffrey Ferrer of the second and fourth districts of Negros Occidental, respectively.
Dy assured House members that he is open to a dialogue, noting that the strength of the institution lies in open communication and resolving concerns constructively.
