Romualdez hasn't recognized Duterte as opposition leader, respects her decision

House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez has not yet recognized Vice President Sara Duterte as part of the opposition, despite statements from former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Romualdez stated that he will await an official pronouncement from Duterte before considering her as an opposition leader and expressed respect for her decision to resign from her Cabinet positions.

He noted that their interactions are now limited due to their roles in different branches of government, with Romualdez serving as Duterte's campaign manager during the 2022 elections.

Romualdez said he misses the closer interactions they had during the UniTeam campaign but respects her decision and wishes her well in all future endeavors.

Rumors about a rift between former allies surfaced during budget hearings when the House of Representatives stripped Duterte's offices of confidential funds and began supporting investigations targeting the Duterte family.