Lawmaker Says Evidence, ‘Conscience’ of Congress to Decide Fate of Impeachment Complaints vs. President Marcos

The fate of the two impeachment complaints pending against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will ultimately hinge on the strength of the evidence presented and the “conscience” of lawmakers, according to Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon.

Speaking on Sunday, Ridon said the House of Representatives is prepared to begin formal deliberations on the complaints, stressing that the impeachment process must be guided by facts and constitutional duty rather than political considerations.

The House Committee on Justice is set to hold its first hearing on Monday to determine the sufficiency in form and sufficiency in substance of the separate impeachment complaints filed last month by lawyer Andre de Jesus and groups affiliated with the Makabayan Coalition.

“These are the first impeachment complaints filed against the President since he assumed office in 2022,” Ridon noted, underscoring the significance of the proceedings.

“The entire committee is ready to hear the two questions sufficiency in form and sufficiency in substance of the two impeachment complaints that were filed against President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.,” Ridon said.

Under House rules, lawmakers must first determine whether the complaints meet the required legal and procedural standards before any deeper inquiry into the allegations can proceed. A finding that the complaints are sufficient could move the impeachment process forward, while a dismissal would halt proceedings at the committee level.

Ridon emphasized that while impeachment is inherently political, it remains a constitutional mechanism designed to ensure accountability among the country’s highest officials.

As of this writing, Malacañang has not issued an official statement on the upcoming hearing. The House Committee on Justice is expected to outline its timetable and procedures following Monday’s initial session.