Romualdez says he met with Pirma to ‘facilitate healthy democratic process’

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez confirmed on Tuesday that he met with People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (Pirma) representatives, including Noel Oñate, but clarified that he only stood as a “facilitator for healthy democratic processes” and merely advised them on their ongoing push for people’s initiative (PI).

“As Speaker of the House, I am committed to upholding the principles of democracy and facilitating discussions on matters of national interest. 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,” Romualdez said in a statement on Tuesday.

“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 added.

The lawmaker likewise denied the allegations involving him in the purported vote buying related to PI, saying that it goes against his principles and the ethical standards of the national government.

“I respect the autonomy of the People’s Initiative and commend their efforts to engage in constitutional discourse. However, as the Speaker of the House, my primary role is to steer legislative actions within the Congress and ensure that all processes are conducted with integrity, fairness, and in accordance with our laws,” Romualdez said.

“I urge the public and media to approach this topic with an understanding of the distinct roles in our democratic framework and to avoid conflating support for civic discourse with direct involvement in specific initiatives,” he added.

During the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation’s probe on the controversial signature drive, Oñate revealed they coordinated with Romualdez and other congressmen to push for people’s initiative.

“Yes, we coordinated with the Speaker and the congressmen in getting the 3 percent [signature] per congressional district,” Oñate admitted.

Oñate’s disclosure came after Senator Imee Marcos asked if Romualdez was supporting Pirma.

“It’s very clear that Speaker Martin Romualdez is supporting your group. He is all out behind people’s initiative, is that correct?” said Marcos.

To this, Oñate confirmed coordinating with the House Speaker.

During the hearing, Marcos likewise showed a text message dated January 8, 2024, showing a photo of Romualdez along with other congressmen in a supposed “people’s initiative for charter change staff meeting.”

Romualdez earlier denied issuing a directive to start a people’s initiative bid to amend the Constitution. Senators, however, said they believe that the initiative is being stirred by their counterparts in the House of Representatives.