DIVERSION
HOUSE leaders have denounced the complaints to be filed against Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, calling them nothing more than a feeble attempt to divert public attention and shift focus away 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 said the complaint that alleged budget insertions is politically motivated and meant to undermine the House leadership.
Aside from Romualdez, also be charged are Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe and ex-Appropriations panel chief and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
“Walang basehan ang mga ito, another fantasy at fiction. Obvious na layunin nitong ilihis ang atensyon ng publiko mula sa tunay na isyu — ang impeachment trial ni VP Duterte,” Ortega said.
“Huwag nilang gawing panakip-butas si Speaker Romualdez para takasan ang pananagutan,” Ortega said.
Khonghun echoed this sentiment, saying the allegations against the Speaker are merely an attempt to discredit the House’s overwhelming support for Duterte’s impeachment.
“This is nothing more than a desperate move to discredit the impeachment process,” Khonghun said.
“Speaker Romualdez has been instrumental in ensuring that the rule of law is followed, and now he is being targeted to weaken the case against VP Duterte,” Khonghun said.
According to Khonghun, the latest issue raised against Speaker Romualdez came shortly after the impeachment complaint against Duterte reached the Senate, raising suspicions about the timing of the allegations.
“Napaka-timing naman ng mga issue na ito. Nang maipadala na sa Senado ang impeachment complaint, biglang may ganitong aksyon laban kay Speaker Romualdez. Malinaw na diversionary tactic ito,” Khonghun said.
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte was filed on the grounds of alleged corruption involving confidential funds. It was endorsed by 215 lawmakers, a rare show of unity across party lines, signaling broad support for accountability.
Another 25 lawmakers who were not personally able to sign the complaint sent verifications to be part of the complainants in the impeachment raps against VP Duterte, bringing the total number to 240 or almost 80% of the House.
Ortega warned that attempts to derail the impeachment trial through politically motivated cases would only backfire.
He then urged the Senate to remain independent and not allow external influences to affect the impeachment trial.
“The Senate must not be swayed by political distractions. The people demand transparency and accountability, and they will not be fooled by these diversionary tactics,” Ortega stressed.
As the impeachment trial looms, Khonghun emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the charges against Duterte and ensuring a fair and transparent process.
