House to Imee: Speakership is our call
Metro Manila, Philippines - The House of Representatives stood firm Thursday on the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez amid a pointed suggestion from Senator Imee Marcos, his cousin, for lawmakers to replace him.
Reacting to Marcos’ public remarks in plenary that urged the House to replace its leader instead of pushing to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, House spokesperson Princess Abante said the speakership is the prerogative of the chamber and cannot be dictated by any external institution.
“Ang leader ng House of Representatives ay pinili ng mga miyembro ng House of Representatives. Hindi ito pwedeng saklawan ng kahit na sino pang miyembro ng ibang institusyon,” she said.
[Translation: The leader of the House of Representatives is chosen by its members. No other institution can interfere.]
In explaining her vote to archive the articles of impeachment against Duterte, Marcos delivered a strong rebuke of Romualdez and asked lawmakers to replace their chosen leader instead of targeting the elected vice president.
“Kesa inaatupag nyong palitan ang pinili ng taumbayan... bakit di nyo na lang palitan ang tao na kayo lang naman ang pumili?” she said.
[Translation: Instead of focusing on removing someone chosen by the people…why don’t you just replace a person that you chose among yourselves.]
Abante said Romualdez retained the confidence of the majority, and highlighted his track record of effective leadership and institutional strengthening.
“Malakas pa rin po ang suporta ng mga members ng House kay Speaker Martin Romualdez,” she said.
[Translation: House members continue to solidly support Speaker Martin Romualdez.]
“Nakita po natin ang kanyang maayos na leadership kung saan naging isa sa most productive Congress ang 19th Congress,” Abante said.
[Translation: We’ve seen his effective leadership wherein the 19th Congress was one of the most productive congresses.]
She also noted the rising trust ratings of the House under Romualdez as a sign of public approval.
