Scandal Hits House: Staff Stop Wearing Uniforms

Photo courtesy of PhilStar

Employees at the House of Representatives have stopped wearing uniforms in response to public backlash related to flood control project anomalies. Speaker Faustino Dy III disclosed at a flag-raising ceremony that staff are opting to remove their uniforms to avoid confrontation amid the controversy. This comes as the House struggles to regain public trust following corruption allegations.

The issues stem from reports implicating lawmakers such as former congressman Zaldy Co and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez in potential kickbacks from infrastructure projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The Speaker acknowledged the severe impact on the House's credibility, noting that trust ratings are currently at a historic low, reflecting the public's frustration.

Addressing the challenge, Speaker Dy called for unity and emphasized the need for integrity and transparency to restore confidence in the legislative body. "After every storm, the sun will shine again," he remarked, urging collective effort in delivering genuine public service. The scandal underscores the ongoing struggle with accountability in government projects.

As the House navigates these challenges, attention shifts to legislative responsibilities, with the upcoming 2026 General Appropriations Bill poised for a second reading this week. Final approval is expected by October 13, highlighting the need to maintain legislative momentum despite reputational setbacks.

Key Takeaways

• House employees avoid uniforms due to public scrutiny over corruption.
• Allegations involve kickbacks from flood control infrastructure projects.
• The House pushes on with legislative duties amid trust issues.

Click here for more Philippine stories

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-10-07