With a 46-1-1 vote, and a 35-9-1 vote, the two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have been declared sufficient in form by the House justice committee on Feb. 2.
The two complaints were filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party-list Rep. Jett Nisay, with the second filed by 36 representatives of the marginalized sector, and endorsed by the three-member Makabayan bloc.
Both the complaints seek to remove Pres. Marcos from office, due to his role in the continuous authorization of unprogrammed funds in the controversial public works scandal, which they constitute as a form of “public betrayal.”
However, the Rep. Nisay-backed complaint aims for his removal due to his allegations of drug abuse, as well as enabling the “illegal” arrest against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc’s endorsed complaint requests his impeachment over the formula that was used to “legitimize” lawmakers “allocables,” and the alleged kickbacks that were involved in it.
When an impeachment complaint is considered as sufficient in form, it shows that the article was properly filed, signed, sworn under oath, as well as endorsed by a member of Congress.
The justice committee will reconvene on Feb. 3, to determine if the two complaints are sufficient in substance wherein the facts that will be presented will be checked if they constitute the offences charged properly.
Marcos will be given notice of the complaints against him, and be given time to respond to the allegations if either or both the complaints pass the second hearing.
Written by Francis Mikael Santos, Insight PH
Francis Mikael Santos, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
