Unlike complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, the impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was sent to the House speaker's office just two days after filing. House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil confirmed this on January 21. The swift transmission raises questions about whether it benefits the president against future complaints.
On January 19, lawyer Andre de Jesus filed an impeachment complaint against Marcos, endorsed by Rep. Jett Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy Party-list. The grounds include culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. Accusations involve orchestrating the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court, authorizing unprogrammed appropriations, receiving kickbacks, creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to protect allies, and illegal drug use.
House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil transmitted the complaint to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III in line with House rules. It must be included in the Order of Business within 10 session days and referred to the Committee on Justice within three session days after.
In contrast, the first three complaints against Duterte in December 2024 were archived until February 2025, when a fourth was filed by more than one-third of House members.
Several lawmakers doubt the complaint against Marcos will succeed, citing lack of evidence. Speaker Dy stated it "seems to have no merit," but the House will process it dutifully. If it fails after initiation, no further complaints can be entertained in the same year.
Consequently, the Makabayan bloc plans to endorse another citizen-filed complaint on January 22. Bayan President Renato Reyes said, "We expect that this verified complaint will be transmitted to the Speaker and included in the order of business, and not be excluded in favor of what many are saying is a weak first complaint intended to shield the President."
The early transmission, before Congress resumes on January 26, may advantage Marcos by potentially resolving the process quickly and blocking attempts until 2027.
