Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed rumors of a memorandum recommending the removal of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, describing such a move as “irrelevant” given the alleged corruption and mistakes already done to the national budget.
In an ambush interview in Cagayan de Oro City, Duterte said that even if Romualdez is replaced, the lost government funds due to corruption cannot be recovered.
Duterte reacted to reports about a supposed Palace memorandum, allegedly signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, that ordered intensified operations to boost President Marcos’ ratings and recommended replacing Romualdez with Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.
Both Bersamin and Palace Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro have categorically denied the authenticity of this memorandum, calling it fake news.
The Vice President’s remarks come amid a bitter political feud, as she faces impeachment charges filed by over 200 lawmakers accusing her of betrayal of public trust, graft, corruption, and other high crimes.
Critics, including House leaders, have urged Duterte to address the specific allegations against her instead of deflecting by accusing others of corruption in the 2025 national budget.
House Deputy Speaker David Suarez challenged Duterte’s claims, pointing out that there is no official finding implicating Romualdez or the House leadership in corruption.
Suarez emphasized that the real issue lies in Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds, with suspicious recipients and questionable disbursements, which are backed by audit reports and official documents.
