Political Earthquake: The First Impeachment Complaint Hits President Marcos Jr.’s Doorstep
In a historic and highly contentious move, the first impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was officially submitted to the House of Representatives on Monday morning. This filing marks a significant escalation in the political friction within the Philippine government, centering on allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and a controversial shift in foreign policy regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The complaint was filed by lawyer Andre De Jesus and formally received by the office of House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil. In a move that signals a crack in the administration’s once-solid legislative shield, the complaint was endorsed by Deputy Minority Leader and Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie "Jett" Nisay.
Six Grounds for Removal: The Core Allegations
The 2026 impeachment complaint is built upon six specific legal and ethical grounds that De Jesus argues render the President unfit for office. These allegations range from financial misconduct to personal fitness and constitutional violations.
1. The "Kidnapping" of a Former President
The most explosive charge involves the alleged ordering and enabling of the "kidnapping" and surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the ICC. De Jesus argues that by allowing a Filipino citizen to be taken by a foreign body without exhausting local judicial processes, Marcos Jr. committed a culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayed the public trust.
2. The 2025 Corruption Scheme & Unprogrammed Funds
Central to the financial allegations is the President's failure to veto what the complainant calls "unconstitutional provisions" in the General Appropriations Acts (GAA) from 2023 through 2026. Specifically, the complaint points to:
Unprogrammed Appropriations: Alleged involvement in a 2025 corruption scheme concerning these funds.
Budget Insertions: Allegations of benefiting from kickbacks linked to "ghost" flood control projects.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI): De Jesus claims this body was created not for oversight, but as a shield for corrupt allies while weaponizing investigations against political opponents.
3. Allegations of Substance Abuse
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the legal battle, the complaint revives allegations of drug addiction. De Jesus argues that the President’s refusal to undergo a hair follicle test to debunk these persistent rumors—some of which have been insinuated by his own sister, Senator Imee Marcos—suggests a lack of transparency that impairs his leadership.
"Silence Means Consent": The Evidentiary Argument
During an ambush interview at the Batasang Pambansa, Atty. De Jesus emphasized that the President’s silence on certain issues could be legally damaging. He cited the rules of evidence, suggesting that when a party fails to comment on a serious declaration made in their hearing or observation, that silence can be interpreted as consent or admission.
"They are just sweeping it under the rug," De Jesus remarked regarding the drug use allegations. "But when no comment is made, that failure to react can be taken against you."
A Steep Uphill Battle in the House
Despite the gravity of the charges, the complaint faces a daunting path. The House of Representatives remains dominated by the administration-aligned Majority bloc. Pro-administration lawmakers, such as Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, have already dismissed the move as "vague, shapeless, and formless," arguing that it lacks the "crucible of analysis" required for such a serious constitutional undertaking.
However, De Jesus remains undeterred, stating that his goal is to "exact accountability" regardless of the political numbers. "Miracles do happen," he said. "The only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
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