De Lima Declines to Comment on Impeachment Complaints vs. PBBM

De Lima Declines to Comment on Impeachment Complaints vs. PBBM

By Bombo Everly Rico - January 27, 2026 | 7:28 PM

House Justice Committee member and Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Representative Leila De Lima has declined to comment on the content of two impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This development comes as the House of Representatives resumed its session yesterday, January 26, with the complaints being formally submitted to the Committee on Justice for initial review.

Refusal to Discuss Merits and Grounds

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, De Lima was asked whether the two complaints could stand as strong impeachment cases and if they contained sufficient grounds for such action. However, the lawmaker firmly refused to comment on the merits and grounds of the complaints at this early stage. She emphasized that the committee needs to discuss and study the content first, as it is tasked with determining if the form and substance of the complaints meet legal requirements.

Concerns Over Pre-judgment

As an ex-officio member of the Committee on Justice, De Lima expressed concern that public perception might view any premature comments from committee members as pre-judgment. She stated that it would be inappropriate for members to offer opinions before the committee has thoroughly examined and deliberated on the details of the complaints. This cautious approach aims to uphold procedural integrity and avoid any appearance of bias in the impeachment process.

Context and Implications

The filing of these complaints marks a significant moment in the current political landscape, coinciding with the House's return to session. The Committee on Justice plays a critical role in the initial assessment, and De Lima's stance highlights the importance of due process in such high-stakes matters. Her refusal to comment underscores the need for careful, unbiased review before any public statements are made, ensuring that the proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with constitutional standards.