After public works employees, workers at the House of Representatives have also reportedly stopped wearing their uniforms to office to avoid public humiliation amid outrage against the chamber over flood control anomalies.
Speaker Faustino Dy III revealed during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony that some employees chose to remove their uniforms before commuting to avoid being confronted or ridiculed by angry citizens.
The Speaker admitted that the House faces an enormous challenge in regaining the people’s confidence following corruption reports involving government projects.
‘While this is something that is very difficult to accept, trust ratings in our institution are at its lowest because Filipinos have lost their trust in us. But this should also serve as a reminder that we really need to do better in order for us to regain their trust – genuine public service,’ Dy said.
The Speaker called for solidarity and emphasized that restoring faith in Congress requires collective effort, integrity and transparency from both legislators and staff.
‘Let us all remember: after every storm, the sun will shine again. After every dark night, there is light that will come. There is always light at the end of every tunnel,’ he said in Filipino.
The House of Representatives became embroiled in the flood control anomalies after reports surfaced that some lawmakers, such as now resigned congressman Zaldy Co and former House speaker Martin Romualdez, had allegedly endorsed or received kickbacks from flood control and other infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Meanwhile, the chamber is expected to approve the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill on second reading this week and pass it on third and final reading by Oct. 13.