Speaker Martin Romualdez and other leaders of the House of Representatives on Thursday (August 8) criticized the Senate’s decision to archive the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it premature and dismissive of the ongoing legal process.

In a statement, Romualdez expressed disappointment over the Senate's action, noting that the case is still pending before the Supreme Court.

“To archive is, in effect, to bury the Articles of Impeachment. Yet the ruling of the Supreme Court is not final. On Aug. 5, the House of Representatives filed a Motion for Reconsideration. The Court found our arguments serious enough to require the respondents, including the Vice President, to submit their comments. The case is active,” he added.

Romualdez emphasized that the complaint was grounded in verified facts and sworn documents—not political ambition.

“The impeachment case was never about political maneuvering, but about accountability anchored on verified facts and sworn documents,” he said.

He insisted that the House remains committed to its constitutional duty.

“We do not rise against the Senate. We rise for the Republic. Tuloy ang laban — for the Constitution, for the rule of law, and for the enduring truth that no public office is ever beyond the reach of accountability.”

Meanwhile, House Committee on Human Rights Chair Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. warned that the Senate’s action could set a “dangerous precedent” and undermine the constitutional process.

“The Senate’s action sends the wrong message: that accountability may be set aside. That should never be the case in a democracy governed by laws,” Abante said.

He cautioned that public officials might now feel emboldened to ignore legal and ethical boundaries, particularly if they enjoy political popularity or are seen as potential presidential candidates.

“The impeachment process is not about 2028. It is about whether public funds were used during a time when no legal mandate had yet been conferred to an office. That is a clear question of constitutional integrity — not political ambition,” he said.

Abante also criticized some senators for dismissing the case as politically motivated without addressing the core allegations.

For his part, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chair Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list also weighed in, criticizing attempts to justify the Senate's action by attacking the House and Speaker Romualdez.

“Let’s not twist the narrative. The House did its job, and we followed the process. You can’t defend one branch of government by attacking another,” said Acidre.

“When over 200 members vote in favor of impeachment, that’s not just one man’s decision. That’s the House speaking as an institution. Calling it a political maneuver is not only unfair, napaka-misleading nito,” he added.

Acidre stressed that archiving the complaint does not resolve the public’s questions nor erase the demand for accountability.

“Just because the Senate dropped the case doesn’t mean the issue disappears. The public is still waiting for answers. Deflection is not accountability. The Senate must deal with the fallout brought about by their own decision,” he said.

He also called on senators to respect the independence of the House of Representatives.