Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives is set to begin committee deliberations on the impeachment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. next week.
The House committee on justice is scheduled to hold a meeting on Feb. 2 for the initial consideration of the two verified complaints.
Makabayan lawmakers confirmed on Wednesday, Jan. 28, that they received the meeting notice from the panel chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro.
Luistro earlier said the two complaints will be consolidated before her committee determines its sufficiency in form and substance.
Lawyer Andre de Jesus was the first to file a complaint on Jan. 19, supported by Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay, who was tagged in the flood control corruption scandal.
The Makabayan bloc, composed of ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co, were the endorsers of the second complaint filed by progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
Their first attempt to file the ouster suit was unsuccessful as House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil was abroad, with office staff insisting they could not receive the document without her.
It was officially received on Monday morning, Jan. 26, then quickly transmitted to the House speaker. By the evening, lawmakers approved in plenary to refer the two verified complaints to the justice committee.
Will Marcos attend proceedings?
Under the rules, the House committee on justice has 60 session days from referral to come up with a report about the impeachment complaint.
Once found sufficient, the committee will send a copy of the consolidated complaint to the president.
Complainants, witnesses, and Marcos may then be invited by the panel.
Asked whether Marcos will respond to an invitation or participate in the proceedings, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said: “Tingnan natin muna ang trabaho ng House of Representative patungkol sa sufficiency in form and substance ng mga nasabing complaints… Depende ‘yan sa magiging legal team ng pangulo kapag kinakailangan na.”
[Translation: Let’s see first the work of the House of Representatives in its evaluation of the sufficiency of the complaints in form and substance. The response would depend on the president’s legal team when it is necessary.]
