House Speaker Clarifies Impeachment Complaint Motive
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez emphasized that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte was driven by a demand for accountability, not political motives. He told the Senate on Thursday that the move was about seeking answers Duterte failed to provide, underscoring the seriousness of the process.
Romualdez urged caution against hastily dismissing the impeachment complaint, explaining that the House acted lawfully and in good faith, not out of spite. “Why the rush?” he questioned, reminding that the Constitution grants the House exclusive power to initiate impeachment, a power exercised transparently and responsibly.
Accountability Over Politics: Romualdez’s Stand
According to Romualdez, the impeachment complaint was rooted in verified facts and sworn documents, reflecting a commitment to accountability — or “pananagutan.” He lamented that instead of recognizing the House’s constitutional role, critics responded with personal attacks and political narratives, which he warned could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
He also clarified that the case is far from closed. The House has filed a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court, meaning the legal battle is ongoing. The Court has yet to issue a final ruling, and the impeachment complaint remains active as the Vice President and others respond to the House’s arguments.
Constitutional Process and Senate Reactions
Romualdez highlighted that over a third of House members signed the verified complaint, triggering automatic transmittal of the articles of impeachment to the Senate. The process was completed without need for committee referrals or further plenary action, according to him.
During the Senate session, some senators explained their votes to archive the complaint. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who supported archiving, argued impeachment should not be used as a political weapon. He urged opponents to challenge Duterte at the ballot box in 2028 instead.
Senate President Francis Escudero also voted to archive the complaint but questioned whether the push was truly about accountability or political opposition. He defended the Supreme Court’s authority and urged respect for the rule of law, asking if critics were motivated by principle or personal agendas.
Political Dynamics and Calls for Leadership Change
Romualdez’s name surfaced in Senate discussions, linked by some to groups opposing the Supreme Court ruling. Senator Imee Marcos, a Duterte ally and Romualdez’s cousin, suggested House members consider replacing the Speaker.
Romualdez insisted his stance is not a challenge to the Senate but a voice for truth and accountability. “The filing of the complaint was not rushed. What was rushed was its burial,” he said. He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to constitutional duty, accountability, and the rule of law, emphasizing that no public official is beyond scrutiny.
Background of the Impeachment Complaint
On February 5, 215 House members signed a fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. It cited alleged misuse of confidential funds, threats to officials, and possible constitutional violations. The complaint was swiftly transmitted to the Senate, as mandated when at least one-third of members endorse such a measure.
Two petitions soon followed in the Supreme Court, seeking to halt the process. One argued the House failed to act within the required timeframe; the other, filed by Duterte’s legal team including her father, claimed the complaint breached the one-year bar against multiple impeachments of the same official.
On July 25, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled the complaint’s transmission unconstitutional due to the one-year bar, prompting Senate deliberations on proceeding with the trial.
Ongoing Allegations and Investigations
Meanwhile, allegations against Duterte continue, focusing on irregularities in confidential fund expenses. The House committee found suspicious acknowledgment receipts bearing unusual names not found in official records. For example, one receipt was signed by “Mary Grace Piattos,” a name resembling a popular snack brand, and others by “Kokoy Villamin,” with inconsistent handwriting across offices.
These findings fuel calls for transparency and accountability amid the heated political climate surrounding the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
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