Duterte loyalist Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday has intensified the brewing conflict within the Philippine political landscape, accusing House Speaker Martin Romualdez of masterminding the ongoing People’s Initiative (PI) to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Dela Rosa alleges that Romualdez instructed his colleagues to spearhead the constitutional change, a claim the House Speaker vehemently denies.

Dela Rosa, a staunch opponent of the constitutional amendment drive, revealed during a press conference on Monday that a congressmember divulged Romualdez’s involvement in orchestrating the People’s Initiative.

According to Dela Rosa, the congressman claimed, “‘Boss, pasensya ka na, following orders lang kami. May orders ang aming Speaker, sunod lang kami sa order’ (Boss, forgive us, we’re just following orders. Our Speaker gave the orders, so we’re just following).” The senator, however, refrained from disclosing the identity of the congressman.

When pressed about the authenticity of the claim, Dela Rosa affirmed, “Oo. Ano yun (Yes. That’s what it is).”

Dela Rosa’s opposition to the ongoing signature campaign stems from his belief that those pushing for the constitutional amendment are driven by self-interest.

He acknowledged the complexity of blaming individuals who merely follow orders but questioned the blind adherence to directives, suggesting potential personal benefits.

The senator further alleged that in Davao, individuals signing the PI petition were offered monetary incentives.

Dela Rosa attributed this to certain congressmen, excluding Congressman Pulong Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, asserting that they were not involved.

In response to these accusations, Romualdez categorically denied any involvement in the signature gathering for the People’s Initiative.

“No orders,” Romualdez asserted in a brief statement to reporters.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe echoed Romualdez’s denial, emphasizing that the push for constitutional change has long been a House advocacy.

Dalipe stated, “The House has been pushing this since 1987, and this has been an advocacy of the Speaker since he became a congressman and now as a Speaker.”