MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House Committee on Justice have heavily criticized the first impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., describing the allegations of drug use and corruption as “hearsay” and “insufficient in substance.”
The criticism surfaced during the second committee hearing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as the panel, chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, began evaluating whether the complaints merit further deliberation.
The “De Jesus” Complaint The complaint, filed on January 19 by lawyer Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Rep. Jett Nisay, alleges that the President is guilty of betrayal of public trust due to purported drug addiction.
- Lack of Evidence: Reps. Leila de Lima and Bernadette Barbers noted that the complaint relied almost exclusively on a November 2025 speech by Senator Imee Marcos, who accused members of her brother’s family of chronic drug use.
- Hearsay Standards: Barbers emphasized that since the allegations were stated by another person and not the complainant, they lack probative value. Furthermore, Rep. Mauricio Domogan cited Supreme Court precedent (Estrada v. Desierto) stating that newspaper reports cannot prove the truth of their contents and are generally considered hearsay.
- Negative Tests: Rep. Brian Poe countered the allegations by noting that official records show the President tested negative for drugs at St. Luke’s Medical Center in November 2021 and during a Senate-mandated test in May 2024.
The Duterte Arrest Allegation Lawmakers were also critical of the charge that Marcos should be removed for allowing the “kidnapping” and surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2025.
- Legal Definitions: Rep. Joel Chua argued that a “kidnapping” charge cannot prosper against the government, as the offender must be a private individual.
- Missing Documents: Rep. Terry Ridon pointed out that the complainant attached uncertified news articles rather than authentic certified documents to support the claim.
Committee Process The committee is handling two separate complaints: one by De Jesus and another by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) coalition.
- Status: Both were deemed “sufficient in form” on Monday. The panel is scheduled to vote today on their sufficiency in substance.
- Strict Standards: Chairperson Luistro reminded the 39-member committee to determine whether the complaints allege “ultimate facts” and show “personal culpable acts” that meet the high constitutional threshold for impeachment (treason, bribery, graft, or betrayal of public trust).
- Document Authenticity: In a 24-21 vote, the panel decided it will strictly consider the authenticity of attached documents when determining substance, rather than just accepting a “recital of facts.”
Palace Response According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, the President’s legal team is not yet making formal preparations as they await the outcome of the House’s official committee process.