JUSTICE PANEL DISMISSES COMPLAINTS, MARCOS SURVIVES FIRST IMPEACHMENT ATTEMPT

Both impeachment complaints filed against President Bongbong Marcos were dismissed by the House Committee on Justice after being found insufficient in substance, effectively halting the proceedings.

The first complaint was rejected in a 42-1-3 vote, while the second, Makabayan-endorsed complaint, was dismissed 39-7 despite arguments from some lawmakers that it contained factual allegations of betrayal of public trust, corruption, and budget irregularities.

Committee members who opposed the complaints cited a lack of direct evidence linking Marcos to the alleged offenses, questioning the reliability of testimonies and whether executive agencies’ actions could be attributed to him.

Supporters of the complaints argued that the allegations warranted further investigation, including cross-examination of witnesses and submission of sworn statements.

With the committee’s ruling, no further hearings or evidence presentation will occur, and the complaints can only be revived if the House plenary overturns the dismissal by a one-third vote, meaning Marcos survives the first impeachment attempt, and complainants must wait a year to file again.

Source: PhilNews24 | February 5, 2026