House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez had a "purely advisory" role in the People’s Initiative (PI) movement for Charter change (Cha-cha), nothing more. 

Romualdez gave this clarification Tuesday, Jan. 30, after a Senator Imee Marcos-led inquiry earlier that day floated a picture of the House chief and PI proponents led by Noel Oñate. 

"I wish to clarify my position and involvement regarding the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action," Romualdez said in a statement. 

"I acknowledge that representatives from the [PI], including Mr. Noel Oñate, have approached me for a meeting. This encounter, held at my townhouse, was in the spirit of open dialogue and understanding of civic actions spearheaded by our citizens," he said. 

"It is crucial to clarify that while I support the spirit of civic engagement and participatory governance, my involvement in the [PI] has been purely advisory and in no way extends to mobilizing or leading their signature campaign," stressed Romualdez. 

"The initiative and its operations are entirely led and managed by the group themselves." 

The PI--one of the three modes for introducing amendments to the 1987 Constitution--is supposed to be a purely civilian endeavor. 

MUST READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/30/romualdez-responds-to-senator-marcos-walang-gamot-sa-kakapalan-ng-mukha-jab

Images and videos shown during the Senate probe seem to suggest that Romualdez had a direct hand in the PI movement. 

"Furthermore, I firmly deny any allegations of involvement in unlawful activities such as vote buying related to this or any other initiative. Such practices are against my principles and the ethical standards of our government," added Romualdez.  

The leader of the 300-plus strong House noted that he respects the autonomy of the PI and commends the proponent's efforts to engage in constitutional discourse. 

"However, as the Speaker of the House, my primary role is to steer legislative actions within the Congress and ensure that all processes are conducted with integrity, fairness, and in accordance with our laws," he said. 

"I urge the public and media to approach this topic with an understanding of the distinct roles in our democratic framework and to avoid conflating support for civic discourse with direct involvement in specific initiatives," Romualdez further said.