House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez reiterated on Monday, August 4, that the House of Representatives will remain steadfast in exercising its exclusive constitutional authority to initiate impeachment proceedings. This statement comes in light of the Supreme Court's ruling that nullified the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a video speech he uploaded online, the House Speaker expressed himself on behalf of the House's decision to file a motion for reconsideration of the impeachment case of Duterte.
“With full respect for the Constitution, in defense of institutional balance, and in the name of the Filipino people, the House of Representatives has filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Supreme Court.” Romualdez stated
He clarified that this motion is not an act of defiance, but rather a responsibility to demand accountability on behalf of the Filipino people.
“We seek only to preserve the rightful role of the House—the voice of the people—in the process of accountability,” he said in defense that they are not challenging the authority, instead they are just doing this to maintain the balance and role of the House.
Romualdez also reminded members of the Supreme Court that they, too, can be subject to impeachment, reminding them that the Supreme Court is a coequal branch of government.
“The Supreme Court is a co-equal branch of government. Its wisdom is deep. Its authority is real. But its Members—like the President and the Vice President—are also impeachable officers,” he said.
