Kabataan Rep. Co Alleges Obstruction in Impeachment Complaint vs. Marcos
Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co has publicly expressed her belief that there is active obstruction occurring regarding the impeachment complaint they filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This statement comes in the wake of the House of Representatives' refusal to accept the complaint, a decision that has sparked controversy and raised questions about procedural fairness.
House Rejection and Allegations of Blocking
According to Rep. Co, the House declined to accept their impeachment complaint because it was submitted while House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil was on an official trip to Taiwan. She argues that this refusal constitutes a form of blocking, which she claims infringes on the right of every citizen to hold impeachable officials, such as President Marcos, accountable for their actions. Co emphasized that this move undermines democratic processes and sets a concerning precedent for future impeachment attempts.
Commitment to Pursue the Complaint
Despite this setback, the neophyte lawmaker has vowed to exhaust all possible avenues to ensure their complaint progresses. Rep. Co and her allies are determined to push forward, asserting that they will not be deterred by what they perceive as bureaucratic hurdles. She reiterated that the impeachment process is a crucial mechanism for checks and balances in the government, and any obstruction should be addressed promptly.
Recent Actions by Makabayan Coalition
In a related development, the Makabayan Coalition took proactive steps by leaving a copy of the complaint at the House yesterday, January 22, even though it was not formally accepted. Their rationale is that this copy will be transmitted to the Office of the House Speaker once sessions resume on Monday or when the Lower House reconvenes. The coalition maintains that they have effectively filed the complaint, as they followed all necessary requirements, including verification and endorsement, which they argue should be sufficient for it to be considered officially submitted.
Legal and Procedural Considerations
The group continues to regard their complaint as duly filed, citing adherence to the procedural mandates for impeachment complaints. They highlight that the document is verified and endorsed, meeting the essential criteria outlined in the rules. This stance underscores the ongoing tension between legislative procedures and political maneuvering, with implications for how impeachment cases are handled in the future. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for potential legal and parliamentary battles ahead.
