The Philippines may see a politically charged February as impeachment complaints loom over the country’s two highest officials. Senior House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Edgar Erice revealed on Sunday that some lawmakers are planning to file a complaint against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., citing alleged betrayal of public trust and other grounds.
The potential complaint against President Marcos could coincide with a fresh impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Last year, charges filed against Duterte were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, and a one-year ban on new complaints will expire on February 6.
“It may be an exciting February for the House because discussions are not limited to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Erice told dzRH. “There are also congressmen planning to file an impeachment complaint against President Marcos. These are two developments we should closely monitor.”
Erice explained that some pro-Vice President lawmakers approached him to seek endorsement for filing a complaint against President Marcos. He declined, citing the Supreme Court ruling that mandates all impeachment complaints to be referred to the House Committee on Justice within three session days.
The proposed grounds for President Marcos’ impeachment focus on alleged budget irregularities. Lawmakers claim he was complicit in “budget insertions” made by Cabinet members and congressional allies and failed to act against corruption in budget laws passed between 2023 and 2025.
“What I see is a betrayal of public trust because, for three years, he more or less allowed Congress to desecrate his budget. He did not speak up,” Erice said. “This could be considered gross inexcusable negligence, which is one of the grounds for public trust violation.”
Allegations also involve Cabinet officials who allegedly participated in insertions, diversions, and amendments that funded questionable projects. In November, President Marcos accepted the courtesy resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman amid the controversy. Both denied wrongdoing, and Bersamin insisted he did not volunteer to resign.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers stressed that impeachment must adhere to constitutional standards rather than political speculation. Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized that complaints require clear facts and evidence. “Impeachment is a serious constitutional process. It should never be used as a political tool,” he said.
House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V echoed this sentiment, adding, “Impeachment is not a press release. We will examine any complaint based on the Constitution and evidence—nothing more, nothing less.”
Malacañang has dismissed the impeachment rumors as political maneuvering. Presidential press officer Claire Castro stated, “These are unsubstantiated statements allegedly coming from the supporters of a certain politician. The President respects constitutional processes and believes that any actions by Congress will be guided by law, facts, and national interest.”
Should a complaint be filed against President Marcos, the House Committee on Justice, currently chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, will review it for sufficiency in form and substance before any proceedings can move forward.
February is shaping up to be a tense month in Philippine politics, with potential constitutional battles involving the nation’s highest leaders drawing close attention from lawmakers, legal experts, and the public alike.