House SecGen on official business abroad during attempted filing of impeach raps vs. Marcos

House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil is on official business abroad on Thursday, January 22, Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Adiong said.

“She is currently on an official, pre-scheduled engagement abroad. Her temporary absence does not affect the constitutional handling of impeachment matters,” said the pro-administration lawmaker in a statement.

On Thursday, Garafil’s office refused to accept the two impeachment complaints filed by separate groups against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. because the SecGen was not physically present.

The second complaint was supposed to be filed by the Makabayan bloc, while the third complaint was supposed to be filed by Manuelito Luna, Jacinto Paras, Ferdinand Topacio, former Quezon City lawmaker Michael Defensor, former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, among others.

Adiong assured the public that the House “will continue to discharge its duties in an orderly, rules-based, and transparent manner”, including on impeachment complaints involving President Marcos, Jr.

A statement from Garafil’s office also released on Thursday stated that she is set to receive an Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon from the Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to Garafil’s previous stint as the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson and Resident Representative from 2024 to 2025.

MECO is the Philippines’ representative office in Taiwan.

Garafil will receive the award from Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, acting on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in a conferment ceremony set on January 23, 11 am, at the Grand Hall, fifth floor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei.

“With humility, I share this honor with our colleagues and partners who worked tirelessly during my service,” Garafil said.

“This recognition reflects the work done to strengthen professional and constructive engagement between the Philippines and Taiwan,” Garafil added.

The Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon is traditionally bestowed on senior foreign officials and envoys for contributions to diplomatic relations.

A reception will follow the ceremony.—LDF, GMA Integrated News