Romualdez denies involvement in vote-buying for PI

House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday denied involvement in unlawful activities such as vote-buying in relation to the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“The meeting with the People's Initiative representatives was an exercise in this commitment. My role, as misinterpreted by some, is not as an orchestrator but as a facilitator for healthy democratic processes,” he said in a statement. 

“I firmly deny any allegations of involvement in unlawful activities such as vote-buying related to this or any other initiative. Such practices are against my principles and the ethical standards of our government,” he added. 

This was after his cousin, Senator Imee Marcos, played video clips and news reports pointing to Romualdez and members of the House of Representatives as the ones behind the ongoing people's initiative. 

Romualdez said representatives from the PI, including Noel Oñate, approached him for a meeting held in his townhouse.

“It is crucial to clarify that while I support the spirit of civic engagement and participatory governance, my involvement in the People's Initiative has been purely advisory and in no way extends to mobilizing or leading their signature campaign. The initiative and its operations are entirely led and managed by the group themselves,” he said.

The House Speaker said the public and the media should approach this topic with an “understanding of the distinct roles” and “to avoid conflating support for civic discourse with direct involvement in specific initiatives.”

Senator Marcos earlier defended the Senate against the statement that it has no business meddling with the people's initiative for Charter change.

In a statement, Romualdez appealed to Marcos not to resort to vulgar words, adding he is open to "engaging in meaningful discussions with Senator Marcos to address any concerns and work together for the betterment of our country."

"The phrase 'Walang gamot sa kakapalan ng mukha mo' (There is no cure for your shamelessness), as expressed by Senator Marcos, reflects a passionate stance on issues we both care deeply about," he said.

"As public servants, our primary focus should always be on the welfare of our constituents and the progress of our nation. It is in this light that I choose to interpret her words as a call to engage more deeply in our shared commitment to serve the Filipino people," Romualdez added. — BM, GMA Integrated News