House Speaker Martin Romualdez slammed Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte’s “unfounded accusations” towards the government and its officials, stating that they are choosing unity over division.
During the House of Representatives Regular Session on Monday, Romualdez responded to the VP’s statement that she had contacted an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the former.
“Such a statement is not just reckless, it is dangerous. It sends a chilling message to our people. A message that violence can be contemplated by those in positions of power,” the House Speaker highlighted.
Romualdez clarified how Duterte’s statement is no laughing matter, as it is a direct threat to the Philippines’ democracy, government, and the nation’s security.
“This is not just a front to the individuals targeted, it is an attack on the very foundation of our government. It is an insult to every Filipino who believes in the rule of law and the sanctity of life,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez vowed to do whatever they can to protect the institution, especially the 100 million Filipinos that they represent.
“Unfounded and Baseless Accusations”
In the past, Duterte expressed how Romualdez is plotting to destroy her due to the latter’s political ambitions for the 2028 elections. However, the House Speaker refuted the claims and said that it was a “desperate attempt” to distract the public from the real issues at hand.
“These unfounded accusations are not just about me, they are upfront to the House of Representatives. They are an attempt to erode public trust in this institution, to sole division, and to create chaos,” Romualdez said.
“We choose unity over division. Dialogue over conflict, and cooperation over confrontation,” he added.
The “baseless accusations,” according to Romualdez, are fueled by Duterte’s initiative to divert attention from the “mounting evidence of fund misuse” and the lack of transparency under her leadership in both her office and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Evasiveness and Transparency
Meanwhile, the House Speaker also commented on the VP’s evasive responses when it comes to the confidential funds.
“Kung wala kang itinatago, bakit hindi sagutin ang mga tanong? Karapatan ng taong bayan na malaman ang katotohanan,” Romualdez questioned.
“Accountability is not optional, transparency is not negotiable. Those entrusted with public funds must be prepared to explain when it was disbursed and how these resources were utilized,” he added.
Romualdez said that the investigations on the misuse of confidential funds are not fueled by personal interests. They are simply doing their duty to serve the interests of the Congress. He noted how truth is resilient, and that no amount of noise can drown it. He assured Filipinos that they will do whatever it takes to fight for the truth and the nation’s democracy.
“To the Filipino people, I assure you this House will not waver in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and service,” he said.
