MANILA, Philippines — The House Committee on Justice is set to convene on Monday, February 2, 2026, for the first formal hearing on two separate impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The proceedings mark a historic first for the administration, as they represent the first impeachment efforts lodged against Marcos since he took office in 2022.
The Consolidation Process Committee chair and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro stated that the initial order of business will be the consolidation of the two complaints—one filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus on January 19, and the other by the Makabayan coalition on January 26.
- Procedural Hurdles: The committee must first determine if the complaints are “sufficient in form and substance” before moving to the merits of the allegations.
- Legislative Prerogative: Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon emphasized that the decision rests solely on the “conscience” of lawmakers and the evidence presented, rather than external political pressure.
The Allegations Under Scrutiny The two complaints outline several high-profile charges:
- The ICC and Rodrigo Duterte: Complainant Andre de Jesus alleges the President betrayed public trust by surrendering former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Rep. Ridon, however, noted that this action was an implementation of a treaty with Interpol and may not meet the threshold of an impeachable offense.
- Unprogrammed Appropriations: Concerns were raised over the President’s failure to veto unprogrammed funds in the 2023–2026 national budgets, a practice Ridon argued has been constitutional since 1989.
- The “BBM Parametric Formula”: The Makabayan complaint focuses on a DPWH policy (Baselined-Balanced-Managed) which they allege provided a “justification for kickbacks” in infrastructure projects.
- Corruption Claims: The group also cited claims by fugitive and former lawmaker Elizaldy Co regarding alleged kickbacks received by the President and Cabinet officials.
Broader Political Instability The hearing coincides with the expected refiling of impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte on February 6, after her previous case was voided by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds.
- The “Stability Risk”: Senator JV Ejercito warned that simultaneous impeachment proceedings against the country’s two highest officials could signal political instability to the international community and create a power vacuum.
- Sara Duterte’s Case: Rep. Ridon suggested that the Vice President’s case could be refiled “as is,” focusing on the alleged misuse of confidential funds and death threats against the President and House Speaker.
As the House committee begins its deliberations, the nation watches to see if the complaints will survive the initial “sufficiency” test or if they will be dismissed as politically motivated efforts without constitutional grounding.