Palace respects impeachment complaint vs. Marcos as part of PH democratic process

Malacañang on Monday said the impeachment complaint lodged against President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is part of the country's democratic process, noting that the Chief Executive remains confident with the democratic institutions. 

''The Palace recognizes that the filing of complaints is part of the democratic process provided for under our Constitution. We respect this process and trust that Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, will discharge its duties with honesty, integrity, and fidelity to the rule of law,'' the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

''The President fully upholds the Constitution and remains confident in the strength of our democratic institutions,'' the PCO added. 

The PCO noted that while these processes take its course, Marcos will continue to govern in order to ensure that public services remain uninterrupted and that the work of government will remain focused on improving the lives of the public.

''Our institutions are strong, our processes are clear, and the administration remains committed to stability, accountability, and the betterment of every Filipino,'' the PCO said.

An impeachment complaint against Marcos was filed Monday with the House of Representatives. It was filed by Atty. Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party-list Representative Jett Nisay.

The grounds cited by complainant de Jesus were graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust.

De Jesus said Marcos violated the Constitution and betrayed public trust by surrendering former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He also said Marcos is unfit to serve as president due to his alleged drug addiction which impairs his judgment, erodes discipline, and undermines moral authority.

De Jesus also alleged that Marcos engaged in graft and corruption through kickbacks and ghost projects.

In a separate press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said she has not talked to the President about the impeachment complaint.

Still, she said the grounds of impeachment raised in the complaint were already addressed.

''Ito pong mga issue na ito ay matagal na pong nasagot, matagal na po natin itong naipaliwanag. At masasabi natin sa ngayon, base lamang po sa inyong sinabi, ay masasabi nating ito'y walang basehan... sa ngayon po,'' she said.

(The issues raised were already addressed. And based on what you said, the grounds have no basis.)

Marcos also allegedly created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure for probing flood control projects to shield his corrupt allies, de Jesus added.

De Jesus also alleged that Marcos betrayed public trust by failing to veto unprogrammed appropriations and other unconstitutional provisions in the General Appropriations Bill for the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

House good government and public accountability panel chair Joel Chua said Monday there are currently no grounds to impeach Marcos based on the complaint filed by de Jesus.

“We have been informed that an impeachment complaint against President Marcos Jr. was filed today. As with any impeachment complaint, the House of Representatives will accord it the initial consideration required under the Constitution and our rules," he said.

"At the same time, it must be stated frankly that, based on what is publicly known at this point, the complaint faces a steep and difficult path in the House,” Chua added.

Chua said the House would not endorse any impeachment complaint unless it met constitutional standards and was backed by solid evidence.

The impeachment process begins at the House of Representatives where any member or citizen can file a verified complaint which shall be endorsed by any House member. This shall be included in the Order of Business within 10 session days and referred to the proper House committee within three session days thereafter. 

After conducting a hearing and by a majority of votes by the panel members, the House committee shall submit a report to the House within sixty session days. The resolution will be calendared by the House within 10 session days.

“A vote of at least one-third of all the Members of the House shall be necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution with the Articles of Impeachment of the Committee, or override its contrary resolution. The vote of each Member shall be recorded,” according to Sec 3 (3) of Article XI. 

“In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed,” it added. 

The approved resolution shall be endorsed to the Senate which will try to convict the impeached official. An official shall be convicted if two-thirds of the Senate votes. —KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News