House Rejects Impeachment Complaints Against President Marcos, Sparking Outrage
The Hakbang ng Maisug movement has issued a strong condemnation of the House of Representatives' decision on Thursday to refuse acceptance of two impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. The group characterized this development as a direct affront to constitutional rights and established democratic procedures, raising serious concerns about institutional integrity.
Questionable Reasoning Behind Rejection
In a statement released on Friday, January 23, 2026, the civic movement denounced the House's explanation that the complaints could not be received due to the absence of House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil, who was abroad attending an official engagement in Taiwan. The complaints, filed on January 22, 2026, by separate blocs seeking the president's removal from office, were thus turned away at the Office of the Secretary General.
Hakbang ng Maisug described the given reason as "flimsy" and "an insult to the sensibilities of the Filipino people," arguing that the secretary general's absence should not prevent the formal receipt of impeachment documents. The group emphasized that House impeachment rules only require complaints to be submitted to the OSG, not necessarily received personally by Garafil.
"It being a mere ministerial function, any staff of the Office of the Secretary-General can formally receive impeachment cases," the statement asserted, accusing House leadership of selectively privileging certain complaints over others. Notably, the movement pointed out that Garafil had received an earlier impeachment complaint without issue just the day before this incident.
Details of the Impeachment Attempts
Two separate groups attempted to lodge impeachment complaints against President Marcos on Thursday:
- One complaint was backed by progressive organizations and lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc
- Another was led by former officials and lawyers critical of the current administration
Both were rejected by the OSG due to Garafil's absence, despite critics arguing this contravenes long-standing House rules and constitutional accountability mechanisms.
The first impeachment complaint against Marcos was actually filed earlier on January 19 by lawyer Andre de Jesus and has since been transmitted by the OSG to the Office of the Speaker, Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, initiating the formal constitutional process.
Groups filing the newer complaints have accused President Marcos of various acts constituting impeachable offenses, including:
- Betrayal of public trust related to flood control projects
- Alleged misuse of budgetary powers
- Other unspecified impeachable offenses
Government and Movement Responses
Malacañang has maintained that President Marcos has not committed any impeachable offense, emphasizing that allegations against him must be substantiated with concrete evidence. Palace officials have underscored the President's confidence in the integrity of the democratic process and his belief that he has consistently upheld the law throughout his administration.
In its detailed statement, Hakbang ng Maisug criticized what it perceives as a troubling pattern of institutional erosion under the Marcos administration. While reaffirming its support for constitutional accountability mechanisms, the movement expressed profound frustration with the apparent obstruction of the impeachment process.
"This administration has no qualms about disregarding legal procedures and violating Constitutional rights just to remain in office," the statement declared pointedly.
The civic movement reiterated its unwavering commitments to transparency, accountability, and the protection of democratic rights, calling on all Filipinos to remain vigilant amid what it described as a deteriorating political and economic climate.
Constitutional Framework and Next Steps
With Congress scheduled to resume sessions on January 26, 2026, lawmakers and civic groups are preparing to revisit the filing and formal reception of impeachment complaints. Key questions remain about whether the first complaint already lodged will proceed to referral by the House justice committee and how additional complaints will be treated moving forward.
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the President may be impeached for several specific offenses:
- Culpable violation of the Constitution
- Treason
- Bribery
- Graft and corruption
- Other high crimes
- Betrayal of public trust
Any citizen may file an impeachment complaint, provided it is endorsed by a House member or supported by a verified resolution. Once formally received by the House, the complaint must be included in the Order of Business within ten session days and referred to the House Committee on Justice, which determines whether it is sufficient in both form and substance.
If at least one-third of all House members vote to affirm the complaint, it is transmitted to the Senate, which convenes as an impeachment court. A two-thirds vote of all senators is required for conviction. The Constitution also limits impeachment proceedings against the same official to once per year, adding another layer of procedural complexity to these developments.
