Remand of impeachment articles concerning, but we鈥檒l comply 鈥� Speaker
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has expressed concerns over the Senate’s move to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, noting that the processes adhered with provisions under the 1987 Constitution.
During his speech at the closing of the 19th Congress’ third regular session on Wednesday, Romualdez broke his silence, noting that there was an overwhelming support from 215 lawmakers.
“Also today, 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,” Romualdez said.
“These articles were transmitted by the chamber in accordance with the Constitution and with the overwhelming support of 215 members who answered the people’s call for accountability,” he added. “Let me speak plainly yet with utmost respect. The House of Representatives acted not out of haste, but with deliberate care. We followed the law, we honored our mandate, and above all, we stood for what the Filipino people deserve.”
According to Romualdez, they will comply with the directive of the Senate, but this is to ensure that the impeachment process pushes through.
“This is not a political exercise, this is our constitutional duty, that is why 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.
“We act not for ourselves but for the nation, for every Filipino who hopes for clean, honest governance. For every citizen who still believes that public office is public trust. Let history be a witness: the House of the people stood firm not in our position, but in conviction,” he added.
On Tuesday evening, 18 senator-judges voted in favor of the motion introduced by Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano, which sent back the articles of impeachment against the Vice President to the House to ensure that constitutional safeguards and issues of jurisdiction were not violated.
Two issues were mentioned: concerns on whether the articles of impeachment did not violate the Constitutional provision stating that only one impeachment complaint can be initiated against an impeachable official; second, that the articles do not step on the jurisdiction and authority of the 20th Congress.
READ: Senate votes to send Duterte impeachment back to House
Earlier, prosecution team member and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said that they will seek clarification from the Senate regarding its decision to remand the articles of impeachment.
In a press briefing, Luistro said the prosecution panel is confused at the Senate’s order, because they maintain that the articles of impeachment submitted to the Senate last February 5 were in line with the 1987 Constitution.
Luistro said they wish to file the motion seeking for clarification within the day.
Romualdez said the House proved with the impeachment of Duterte that it is the voice of the people, and that it fulfilled their mandate to “uphold transparency” and “demand accountability.”
“Indeed, a government that answers to its citizens, 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 institutions, our duty is clear—to seek the truth, to uphold transparency, and to demand accountability without fear, without favor,” he said.
“In this House, we did not falter, we stood firm, because that is what the people deserve,” he added.
Earlier also, the House formally deferred the acceptance of the articles, with the adoption of House Resolution No. 2346. /cb
