In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Philippine political landscape, the first formal impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was officially filed at the House of Representatives today, January 19, 2026.
The filing marks a significant escalation in political tensions, representing the first direct legal challenge to the President’s incumbency since he took office in 2022.
The Key Players
The complaint was spearheaded by Atty. Andre De Jesus, who appears as the primary complainant in the documents submitted to the Secretary General of the House. However, for an impeachment complaint to gain legs in the lower house, it requires the backing of a lawmaker.
In this instance, Rep. Jette Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy Partylist stepped forward as the official endorser, providing the necessary legislative gateway for the complaint to be formally recognized.
The Road Ahead
Under the 1987 Constitution, the process for impeachment is rigorous. Now that the complaint has been filed and endorsed, it faces several critical hurdles:
- Committee Referral: The House Speaker must refer the complaint to the Committee on Justice within three session days.
- Sufficiency Hearing: The Committee will determine if the complaint is sufficient in form and substance.
- The Vote: If the Committee finds merit, it will move to the plenary. A vote of at least one-third of all members of the House is required to impeach the President and send the case to the Senate for trial.
Political Implications
While the specific grounds of the complaint are still being scrutinized by legal experts and the media, the timing is notable. Historically, impeachment in the Philippines serves as a high-stakes “numbers game.” With the current administration maintaining a strong supermajority in the House, the path toward a conviction in the Senate remains uphill.
Nonetheless, this filing signals a fracture in the political status quo and sets the stage for a heated legislative season. Malacañang has yet to issue an official statement regarding the filing.