MANILA, Philippines — An impeachment complaint has been formally filed against Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., marking the first such challenge to his presidency since he took office in 2022.
On January 19, 2026, lawyer Andre De Jesus lodged a verified impeachment complaint with the House of Representatives’ Office of the Secretary General, where it was endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party list Representative Jett Nisay and will be transmitted to the Office of the Speaker in line with constitutional rules. The complaint now awaits initial consideration and referral to the House Justice Committee.
Allegations and Grounds
The complaint accuses President Marcos of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust — the three impeachable offenses outlined under the 1987 Constitution. Among the key allegations:
• Transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague after his March 2025 arrest — a move the complaint describes as a deprivation of due process and tantamount to an illegal “kidnapping.”
• Failure to veto unprogrammed appropriations and other controversial budget provisions in the national budgets from 2023 to 2026, despite having the authority to do so.
• Allegations of corruption tied to flood control projects and claims of kickbacks and “ghost projects.”
• Questions about Marcos’ fitness to govern, including allegations of illegal drug use — which supporters of the complaint argue undermine his moral authority.
Political Reaction
Malacañang Palace has acknowledged the complaint as part of the democratic process, with the Presidential Communications Office expressing confidence in the strength of the country’s institutions and affirming that Marcos will continue to govern while the complaint runs its course.
At the same time, House leaders have cast doubt on the complaint’s prospects, with Panel Chair Joel Chua saying there are currently “no grounds to impeach” based on what has been publicly presented and emphasizing the requirement for “clear, specific, and well substantiated allegations.”
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III likewise described the complaint as “unjustifiable,” noting that the President appears to be carrying out his duties in accordance with the Constitution.
Next Steps in the Impeachment Process
Under the Constitution and House rules, a verified complaint endorsed by a member of the House will be included in the Order of Business within ten session days and referred to the appropriate committee — typically the Committee on Justice — for further hearings and evaluation.
If the committee finds sufficient grounds, it may submit articles of impeachment to the full House. A vote of at least one third of all House members is needed to endorse articles of impeachment; if achieved, the case proceeds to a Senate trial.
With the House still dominated by allies of President Marcos, the complaint faces an uphill battle to gain the necessary support — a situation that has fueled wider debate about its timing and political motive.
Broader Political Context
The impeachment complaint comes amid heightened political tension in the Philippines following mass protests and earlier impeachment efforts, including a separate attempt against Vice President Sara Duterte that was struck down last year under constitutional rules restricting repeat impeachment filings within one year.
As proceedings unfold in the legislature, observers say the development underscores persistent divisions in Philippine politics and could have implications for the governance and political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections.
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