Photo credit: Congress PH

Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez addressed his colleagues in the House of Representatives today, tackling head-on recent accusations and shocking revelations that have shaken the foundations of Philippine politics.

“A Direct Threat to Democracy"

"Recent events compel me to speak, not just to defend myself but to protect the dignity of the institution we serve," Romualdez declared. The revelation that Vice President Sara Duterte allegedly contacted an assassin with the intent to target President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, and himself left the House stunned.

“This is not a joke. This is not normal rhetoric. It is a direct threat to our democracy, our government, and the security of our nation,” he emphasized. Such threats, he argued, go far beyond personal attacks—they strike at the heart of the country's democratic values. "Violence has no place in our society," he insisted.

Romualdez urged his colleagues to view this revelation as a matter of national importance, one that requires transparency and accountability. "We must stand firm to protect our democracy from all forms of threats," he said, making it clear that this was a line the House could not afford to let pass unchallenged.
"Baseless Accusations and Diversionary Tactics"

The Speaker did not hold back when addressing Vice President Duterte's accusations that he is conspiring against her with ambitions for the 2028 elections. Romualdez dismissed these claims as “unfounded and desperate attempts to distract from the real issues."

“My job as Speaker is to serve, not to destroy. The politics of slander has never been part of my principles,” he affirmed. For Romualdez, the allegations are not just a personal attack but an insult to the entire House of Representatives, aimed at eroding trust and sowing discord.

"A Call for Accountability and Transparency"

Romualdez challenged the Vice President to address the ongoing questions about financial management in her office, particularly around the use of confidential and intelligence funds. "If you have nothing to hide, why not answer the questions?" he asked, underscoring the right of the Filipino people to know how public money is spent.

“Accountability is not optional. Transparency is not negotiable,” he said, demanding clear and direct answers from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. The Speaker reminded everyone that trust in leadership is built on honesty, not evasion or diversion.

"Defending the Integrity of the House"

Romualdez also spoke about the House of Representatives itself. "This House is sacred. It represents the will of the people, and its dignity must be upheld at all times," he declared. Any attempt to undermine its rules, protocols, or leadership is, in his words, “a betrayal of the trust the Filipino people have placed in us.”

He called on his fellow lawmakers to defend the institution with conviction: “Let us fight for the dignity of Congress. Let us stand for the truth. Let us defend our democracy.”

"Support for the President and a Brighter Future"

Romualdez concluded with a message of unity, reiterating his full support for President Marcos Jr. and his administration's reform agenda. “This fight is not about me, not about you, but about our country and the future of every Filipino,” he said, urging his colleagues to rise above the distractions and focus on the work that truly matters—serving the people and strengthening the nation.

"Together, we will continue to pass laws that improve lives, protect freedoms, and ensure a brighter future for all," Romualdez affirmed, ending his speech with a resounding call to action.
“Mabuhay ang Kongreso! Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!” he declared, leaving the House with a renewed sense of purpose and a firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and unity in the face of adversity.