House Speaker Martin Romualdez defended the constitutionality of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that legislators in the lower chamber “acted not out of haste but with deliberate care.”
Romualdez was reacting to recent developments at the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, after it moved to return the impeachment complaint back to the House of Representatives.
“I rise not in defiance but with resolve, guided by duty, grounded in principle. The decision of the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to return the articles of impeachment is deeply concerning,” he said in his closing speech as the House adjourned its session indefinitely on Wednesday evening.
“These articles were transmitted by the chamber in accordance with the Constitution and with the overwhelming support of the 215 members who answered the people’s call for accountability. Let me speak plainly yet with utmost respect,” Romualdez said.
The House Speaker pointed out that the impeachment proceedings in their chamber “followed the law” and that every lawmaker who signed the articles honored their mandate. “We stood for what the Filipino people deserve. Indeed, a government that answers to its citizens.”
Nevertheless, Romualdez expressed respect for the decision of the Senate, noting that the House with its assembled prosecution team will respond accordingly. He clarified that the return of the articles of impeachment will not derail the proceedings.
“We will continue to move forward respectfully but resolutely. We shall comply with the requirements of the impeachment court, not to abandon our cause, but to ensure the process continues because, in matters of truth and accountability, the House does not back down,” he said.
Romualdez’s statement was met with thunderous applause from fellow lawmakers gathered at the plenary. He maintained that the impeachment case against Duterte was “not a political exercise,” but was done out of “constitutional duty.”
“The House is not only the voice of the people. It’s a guardian of their trust. When allegations arise that threaten public confidence in our Constitution, our duty is clear: seek the truth, uphold transparency and to demand accountability without fear, without favor,” the seasoned legislator said.
“We act not for ourselves but for the nation; for every Filipino who hopes for a clean and honest governance; for every citizen who still believes that public office is a public trust.
Let history bear witness that the House of the people stood firm, not in opposition, but in conviction. In this House, we did not falter. We stood firm because that is what the people deserve,” Romualdez added.
