The House of Representatives has affirmed the dismissal of two impeachment complaints against Bongbong Marcos, concluding that the allegations failed to establish sufficient substance to proceed under constitutional standards.
In a vote held at the plenary, lawmakers upheld the findings of the House Committee on Justice, which ruled that both complaints, while compliant with procedural requirements, did not present a factual basis strong enough to support impeachment. The dismissal was affirmed with 284 affirmative votes, eight negative votes, and four abstentions.
Committee chair Rep. Luistro told the House that impeachment, though political in nature, is governed by constitutional limits and due process. “Although impeachment is political in nature, it is not without limits. As held in Francisco versus House of Representatives, it remains subject to strict constitutional standards, gravity, and due process. Accountability is not optional. It is the soul of our democracy,” she said.
One of the complaints, filed by lawyer Andre R. De Jesus, accused Marcos of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. The justice committee found that the complaint failed to establish a factual basis for the grave charges it raised. “The complaint relies almost entirely on a statement of a family member unsupported by any affidavit, sworn testimony, or verified record, rendering its probative value non existent,” Luistro said.
A second complaint filed by former lawmakers and endorsed by party list representatives was likewise dismissed after the committee found the allegations insufficient in substance. The panel rejected claims related to alleged budgetary violations, drug addiction, and the supposed surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to an international tribunal, citing lack of evidence. Luistro said the committee found no factual basis to support the assertion that the President disregarded domestic legal processes or acted with corrupt intent.
Malacañang welcomed the decision, saying the President respects the constitutional process undertaken by the House of Representatives. Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President was satisfied with the outcome and remains focused on governance. She said Marcos intends to continue pursuing economic programs aimed at improving the lives of Filipino families.
Under the Constitution, impeachment by the House would have led to a Senate trial, where a guilty verdict carries removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding public office. With the dismissal affirmed, the impeachment proceedings ended at the House level, in line with the committee’s determination that the complaints did not meet the constitutional threshold required to advance.
