House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Facebook, PPAB)

Showing his most bellicose side yet, House Speaker Martin Romualdez categorically denied plotting to destroy the reputation of Vice President Sara Duterte in favor of his supposed political ambitions in 2028.

In his address to the plenary hall on Monday, Nov. 25, Romualdez branded this particular allegation from Duterte as “unfounded and baseless” as well as “a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues at hand".

This alleged plot had to do with the ongoing investigation of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) under the Vice President.

Pundits say that Romualdez and Duterte are potential opponents in 2028 presidential race.

“Malinaw ang katotohanan: Ang trabaho ko bilang Speaker ay maglingkod, hindi manira. Ang pulitika ng paninira ay hindi kailanman naging bahagi ng aking prinsipyo,” Romualdez said.

(The truth is clear: My job as a Speaker is to serve, not to slander. Politics of slander has never been part of my principles.)

The Leyte 1st district congressman delivered his speech even as the Vice President was at another part of the House--specifically at the People’s Center. It was here that the good government panel resumed its hearing on the confidential funds controversy.

Romualdez said his focus “has always been on fulfilling my responsibilities as Speaker of this House, leading with utmost integrity, untarnished by division, and self-interest; and guided by the principle that every action and decision I take must always be for the benefit of the Filipino people.”

“These unfounded accusations are not just about me. They are an affront to the House of Representatives. They are an attempt to erode public trust in this institution, to sow division, and to create chaos. We choose unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and cooperation over confrontation,” added the House leader.

Romualdez wondered why the Vice President was making such baseless accusations. 

“The answer is simple: to divert attention from mounting evidence of fund misuse under her leadership at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd),” he said.

“The issues surrounding confidential and intelligence funds, the questionable disbursements, and the lack of transparency demand answers. We will not tolerate and accept vague explanations and evasive responses,” added Romualdez in a raised voice.

“Accountability is not optional. Transparency is not negotiable. Those entrusted with public funds must be prepared to explain where it was disbursed, and how these resources were utilized,” he said.

Romualdez took more apparent jabs at his one-time ally, Duterte. 

“Hindi ito personal. Ito ay usapin ng pananagutan at tiwala ng taumbayan (Nothing personal here. This is about accountability and preserving the nation's trust). Instead of providing clarity, we have seen attempts to shift the narrative, to create distractions, and to fabricate stories."

Death threats 'no longer a joke'

Romualdez also addressed the death threats issued against him by the Vice President.

“Let me be clear: Hindi na ito biro. Hindi na ito normal na pananalita. Isa itong direktang banta sa ating demokrasya, sa ating pamahalaan, at sa seguridad ng ating bansa," he said.

(This is no longer a joke. This is not normal speaking. This is a direct threat to our democracy, to our government, and to national security.)

He said the Vice President’s threats against him, President Marcos, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos send “a chilling message to our people, a message that violence can be contemplated by those in positions of power".

“This is not just an affront 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. Violence has no place in our society. It is irreconcilable with the values that have taught and guided us for years--values of respect, and amicable peaceful conflict resolution,” he said.

The Speaker said House members should not let the Vice President’s threats “pass as mere rhetoric."

“The gravity of such a confession demands accountability. It demands answers. It demands that we, as the representatives of the Filipino people, take a stand to protect our democracy from any and all forms of threats,” he emphasized.