HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday voiced strong concern over the Senate’s decision to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, calling it “deeply concerning” and a challenge to constitutional procedure.
Speaking at the closing of the House’s plenary session, Romualdez defended the lower chamber’s actions, saying the impeachment was initiated in accordance with the 1987 Constitution and was backed by 215 lawmakers — more than two-thirds of the chamber.
“I rise — not in defiance — but with resolve, guided by duty, grounded in principle,” Romualdez said. “The decision of the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to return the articles of impeachment is deeply concerning.”
Romualdez stressed that the House acted with deliberate care and followed its constitutional mandate.
“We honored our mandate, and above all, we stood for what the Filipino people deserve,” he added. “The House is not only the voice of the people — it is the guardian of their trust.”
Vice President Duterte was impeached in February on charges including graft, corruption, and alleged involvement in an assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former running mate. A conviction would lead to her removal from office and disqualification from holding public office.
The Senate, however, voted 18-5 on Tuesday night to remand the articles, citing concerns that multiple complaints were filed within a year — a possible violation of the Constitution, which prohibits more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official annually.
Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson, reacting to the development, echoed legal concerns raised by the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), which warned the Senate may have overstepped its authority.
“I agree with Philconsa that constitutional concerns were raised,” Lacson said. “Even after the Senate constituted itself as an impeachment court, it remains subject to judicial review if its actions amount to grave abuse of discretion.”
He emphasized that Article XI of the Constitution clearly states: “Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people.”
Philconsa earlier warned that the Senate’s action risks undermining democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent of evading accountability through procedural maneuvers.
