Romualdez rallies House support amid Duterte ‘threatening’ remarks
Metro Manila, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez rallied his colleagues on Monday, Nov. 25, to support the House of Representatives as an institution and the Marcos administration after Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that were a “direct threat to democracy.”
In a lengthy media briefing, Duterte said she talked to a person that would kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Romualdez if she herself will be murdered.
Romualdez said the statement was not a joke or normal talk, and that it was dangerous.
“It sends a chilling message to our people, a message that violence can be contemplated by those in positions of power,” Romualdez said in his speech. “This is not just an affront to the individuals targeted, it is an attack on the very foundation of our government.”
He said the House cannot let this pass as “mere rhetoric,” with such a confession demanding accountability and answers.
“The actions of the vice president will go down the annals of history like a nightmare that will haunt our people for generations, and this House will do whatever we can to protect the dignity of this institution and the 100 million Filipinos we represent,” Romualdez said.
He said Duterte’s remarks were a “desperate attempt to distract from the real issues at hand.”
The House good government and public accountability committee is investigating the budget utilization of the Office of the Vice President and the Duterte-led Department of Education (DepEd).
Some former and sitting DepEd officials have admitted receiving extra cash during Duterte’s leadership of the agency. Her spending of confidential funds was also among the highlights of the inquiry.
Duterte’s statement on video — marked by expletives — came as her chief-of-staff, Zuleika Lopez, was ordered detained in the House premises for supposedly lying and blocking the inquiry. On Friday, the vice president made a surprise visit to Lopez, stayed in the House premises, and seemingly “blocked” the House jail transfer order for her aide.
For a number of lawmakers, Duterte breached protocols. Romualdez also agreed.
“Disrespect for the protocols, security measures, and leadership of this institution is not just a breach of rules — it is a breach of trust,” the House speaker said. “To mock our protocols, to defy our orders, and to malign our leaders is to disrespect the Filipino people who elected us to serve.”
After his speech, House lawmakers posed for a group photo with Romualdez. Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — a known Duterte ally — was seen beside presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
The House plenary also adopted House Resolution 2092, which expressed the “unwavering and unqualified support and solidarity” of the chamber to the leadership of Marcos and Romualdez.
