The House of Representatives defended its decision not to accept impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. due to strict procedural rules. The complaints were turned away because Secretary General Cheloy Garafil was abroad. Lawmakers emphasized the formal nature of the process.
On Thursday, former congressman Michael Defensor, along with former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, attempted to file the third impeachment complaint against Marcos. Earlier that day, former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares and Teddy Casiño also tried to file their complaint, but it was refused by the Office of the Secretary General because Garafil was abroad on an official engagement.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong defended the decision, stating that 'the receipt of an impeachment complaint is not a casual or clerical transaction. It is a formal constitutional act that must strictly comply with House rules.' He stressed that Garafil must personally receive it to ensure completeness and compliance with requirements, including referral to the Speaker, which affects the one-year ban on additional complaints.
Additionally, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, chairperson of the House committee on justice, said fugitive former congressman Zaldy Co, who is willing to testify against Marcos regarding allegations of P100 billion 'insertions' in the national budget, must return to the country and personally take his oath before the committee. 'If these intended witnesses are willing to come before the justice committee and take their oath, of course they can testify,' she said. Co has a pending warrant of arrest related to anomalous flood control projects and has been in hiding in Lisbon, Portugal since July last year.
These events occurred while the House is on legislative recess, and Adiong and Luistro emphasized there was no refusal of complaints, but adherence to rules to protect the integrity of the impeachment process.
