MANILA — The House of Representatives has formally activated impeachment proceedings against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after two separate complaints were transmitted to the House Committee on Justice, triggering a one-year constitutional ban on any new impeachment filings against the President.
The move followed action taken during the January 26 plenary session, when both complaints were entered into the House Order of Business and referred for initial screening. Under the Constitution, no additional impeachment cases may now be filed against Marcos until January 26, 2027.
One of the complaints was filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus and backed by a Pusong Pinoy party-list lawmaker. It accuses the President of betrayal of public trust and violations of the Constitution, citing allegations that include his role in the transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court, claims of drug use that allegedly affect his leadership, and his handling of national budgets from 2023 to 2026.
A second complaint was submitted by the Makabayan coalition with the endorsement of party-list lawmakers Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, Sarah Elago of Gabriela, and Renee Co of Kabataan.
This filing links Marcos to alleged irregularities in infrastructure funding under what it calls the Baselined-Balanced-Managed parametric formula, which it claims resulted in “ghost,” overpriced, and substandard flood control projects.
Having been received by the Office of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the two complaints were automatically sent to the House justice panel, which will first determine whether the cases are sufficient in form and substance.
The committee has up to 60 session days to conduct its review and submit a report and recommended resolution to the full House.
The House plenary will then have 10 session days to act on the committee’s recommendation. At least one-third of all House members must vote in favor of impeachment for the case to be elevated to the Senate for trial.
The impeachment process was set in motion after the Makabayan coalition was finally able to file its complaint on January 26, following a failed attempt four days earlier when House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil was overseas on official business.
Garafil had been in Taiwan in her capacity as a former Manila Economic and Cultural Office official. Upon her return, her office immediately transmitted the Makabayan filing to the Speaker.
The earlier De Jesus complaint had already been filed on January 19 and received by Garafil’s office on January 21, making it the first valid impeachment case lodged against Marcos this year and effectively blocking any later filings within the one-year period.
With the two complaints now under review, the House Committee on Justice will begin the process that will determine whether the charges against President Marcos advance to a full impeachment battle./PN
