Solons blast senators’ supposed attack vs House during impeachment vote
Metro Manila, Philippines - Several lawmakers criticized the supposed attack of two senators against the House of Representatives during their archival of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In discussing the complaint in the plenary session on Wednesday, Aug. 6, Senate President Chiz Escudero told House members to not allow themselves to be “used for the blind hatred and ambition of a few.” Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, suggested replacing House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
READ: Senate archives Duterte impeachment complaint
In a statement on Thursday, Romualdez and House spokesperson Princess Abante noted that the impeachment was about accountability and not political maneuvering.
“We have been met with personal attacks, sweeping accusations, and a narrative that seeks to reduce a solemn constitutional duty into mere power play. That’s not just unfair—it is dangerous. It undermines public trust in the very tools of democratic checks and balances,” Romualdez said.
“This is about accountability; Accountability asked for by the people na nirerepresenta ng mga miyembro ng [represented by the] House of Representatives,” Abante told NewsWatch Plus’ The Newsmaker.
House lawmakers stood behind their leader, saying calling for his replacement is an overreach.
“Let me be clear: no senator, regardless of stature or history, has the right to dictate who should lead the House. That decision rests solely with the elected members of this chamber, and Speaker Romualdez continues to enjoy our overwhelming confidence,” Senior Deputy Speaker Jay-jay Suarez said.
“What was said was not just a personal opinion. It became a public provocation. And when a senator calls for the ouster of the House Speaker, that’s not just political noise anymore, it becomes borderline interference,” Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun said.
“Senator Marcos is free to express her opinions in the Senate, but she must refrain from meddling in the affairs of the House. If the Senate wishes to abdicate its authority, that is their prerogative—but do not expect the House to do the same,” Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said.
Other House representatives stressed that the impeachment complaint was voted upon and not the choice of a single member.
“The Speaker did not act alone. This was a collective institutional decision—one rooted in the Constitution,” Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega said. “Calls for his removal overlook that fact and risk personalizing what is, at its core, a constitutional process.”
“Let’s not twist the narrative. The House did its job, and we followed the process. Kung may dapat magpaliwanag ngayon, hindi ang Kamara, kung hindi ang Senado [If someone should explain now, it is not the House but the Senate]. You can’t defend one branch of government by attacking another,” Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said.
Several other House members criticized the Senate’s archival of the impeachment complaint, pending appeals to the Supreme Court ruling that voided the case.
In February, the House impeached Duterte on the grounds of graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.
