HOUSE leaders on Sunday strongly denounced the impending complaints against Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, dismissing them as a weak and politically motivated ploy to divert public attention from the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega of La Union and Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales criticized the complaint, which is set to accuse Speaker Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and former Appropriations panel chief Zaldy Co of alleged budget insertions in the 2025 national budget. They asserted that the allegations were designed to undermine the House’s leadership.
“These accusations have no basis—they are pure fantasy and fiction. It’s clear that the goal is to shift public focus away from the real issue, which is the impeachment trial of VP Duterte,” Ortega said.
“Speaker Romualdez should not be used as a scapegoat to evade accountability,” he added.
Khonghun echoed Ortega’s sentiment, calling the allegations a desperate attempt to discredit the overwhelming support for Duterte’s impeachment.
“This is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to cast doubt on the impeachment process,” Khonghun said.
He pointed out that the timing of the complaint was suspicious, as it came right after the impeachment case against Duterte was transmitted to the Senate.
“The timing is highly questionable. As soon as the impeachment reached the Senate, these allegations suddenly emerged against Speaker Romualdez. This is a clear attempt to distract the public,” Khonghun noted.
The impeachment case against Vice President Duterte, centered on alleged corruption involving confidential funds, was endorsed by 215 lawmakers—an unprecedented display of bipartisan support for accountability. Another 25 lawmakers later verified their endorsement, bringing the total to 240, or nearly 80% of the House.
Ortega warned that politically motivated complaints aimed at derailing the impeachment trial would ultimately backfire.
“If they think they can derail the impeachment process with these tactics, they are mistaken. They are only exposing their fear of facing the truth,” he said.
He urged the Senate to remain independent and not be swayed by external distractions.
“The Senate must uphold its integrity and resist any political maneuvers meant to distort the process. The people demand transparency and accountability,” Ortega emphasized.
As the impeachment trial looms, Khonghun stressed the need to maintain focus on the charges against Duterte and ensure a fair and transparent process.
“This is not a political fight—it is a fight for truth and justice. No diversionary tactic should be allowed to obscure that,” Khonghun concluded.
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