Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez quickly addressed rhe elephant in the room following his election as House Speaker in the 20th Congress.

In his speech during plenary session Monday morning, July 28, Romualdez--with a stern look on his face--underscored that the act of impeachment was the sole domain of the House of Representatives, and nobody else's.

"And today, as we formally begin this new chapter, we do so amid a development that once again calls us to reflect on our sacred constitutional duty — the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision on the impeachment case filed against the Vice President," he said.

"Let me say this with the utmost respect: The Supreme Court has spoken, and we recognize its decision. But let it never be said that the House of the People bowed in silence," Romualdez said.

"At the same time, we draw a line: the power to initiate impeachment is the exclusive domain of this Chamber. It flows from the people’s will and rests solely on the clear language of the Constitution. It is neither granted nor guided by any outside institution," he continued as his remarks were met by applause from his congressman-colleagues.

Citing technicalities, the SC declared the House-prepared impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional.

But the House expressed concerns that the high court might have overstepped its boundaries, particularly by revising the impeachment procedure.

"The Court may close a case, but it cannot close a cause. The pursuit of accountability is not a moment — it is a mandate," Romualdez said.

"We are not moved by personalities, but by principles. We are not driven by vendetta, but by vigilance. Our goal has never been to destroy — only to demand the truth," the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president said.

"When institutions falter, the House of the People always stands firm. When others fear the storm, your House holds the line," he stressed.