The two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have been officially referred to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Justice, triggering a one-year ban on filing new impeachment cases against him.
During Monday’s session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Emano, the first complaint, filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus, and the second, filed by the Makabayan coalition, were both sent to the justice panel.
Under the 1987 Constitution, impeachment proceedings cannot be initiated against the same official more than once within a year. The referral means that no other impeachment complaints can be filed against Marcos during this period.
The House Rules require the Speaker to include a verified impeachment complaint in the Order of Business within ten session days of receipt. The complaint is then referred to the Committee on Justice within three session days. The committee first determines whether the complaint is sufficient in form and, if so, whether it is sufficient in substance. If the complaint meets both criteria, the respondent is given ten days to file a response.
De Jesus filed the first-ever impeachment complaint against Marcos on January 19, citing six grounds, including alleged unconstitutional actions regarding unprogrammed appropriations, purported involvement in infrastructure kickbacks, and the surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court. Some lawmakers, however, have questioned the strength of the complaint, with Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice saying only the unprogrammed appropriations issue may warrant further consideration, noting that the 15-page document lacks supporting evidence.
Makabayan’s complaint centers on the “BBM Parametric Formula,” a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) policy allegedly used to justify presidential and congressional infrastructure allocations, which the coalition claims facilitated kickbacks and project-related commitments.
Makabayan had to refile its complaint on Monday after it was initially not accepted by the Office of the House Secretary General due to the absence of Secretary General Cheloy Garafil.