By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, A reporter
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. he is facing a ouster over allegations that he benefited from bad infrastructure contracts, and increased political pressure amid a multibillion-peso corruption scandal.
The complaint, filed by attorney Andre R. de Jesus and approved Monday by Deputy Minority Leader and Party List Attorney Jernie Jett V. Nisay, cited five grounds for removal, including three directly related to the flood control scandal, according to cell phone images of the 12-page eviction complaint released to the media.
“The proliferation of flood control projects across the country confirms the existence of a concerted and deliberate attempt to extort public funds,” he said.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III dismissed the allegations against Mr. Marcos, said that the case has no force and the President acted fully according to the law.
“We see no basis to justify the complaint filed,” he said in a statement in Filipino. “It is clear that the President is doing the work entrusted to him by the people in accordance with the law.”
He said that impeachment negotiations need to be carefully considered, and the process requires “great vigilance” and compliance with the Constitution. “It must not be used to politicize or be a source of division.”
Mr. Nisay, the Independent Infrastructure Commission (ICI) last year wanted the Ombudsman to impeach him for extortion because of his alleged relationship with the flood relief projects in a strange way, he said he expected that the impeachment process of Mr. Marcos started when the complaint was referred to the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 26, when Congress resumes session.
“We believe that under the Constitution… no one, not even the President, is above the law,” he told reporters after the petition was filed.
The appeal comes as the Marcos administration struggles to contain the outbreak of a scandal involving billions of pesos in public works funds. Several officials, politicians and private contractors are accused of pocketing P545 billion spent on flood control projects starting in 2022, according to government reports.
In a statement, the Presidential Palace said it respects the constitutional process for impeachment of senior government officials, adding that it hopes the House “will do its job with honesty, integrity and loyalty to the law.”
“Even though these programs are taking their place, the President will continue to govern, ensure that government services remain uninterrupted, and that government work remains focused on improving the lives of our people,” said the statement.
Mr. De Jesus said he wants to make Mr. Marcos accountable for his government’s role in what could be one of the biggest corruption scandals to hit the Southeast Asian nation.
The Office of the President has established an independent fact-finding panel to investigate the controversy, but the complaint describes it as a “desperation tactic,” saying the team specifically targets political opponents while protecting allies.
“I feel that ICI is equipped by the government,” said Mr. De Jesus told reporters after the complaints were filed.
Last week, Mr Marcos suggested that the commission’s mandate may expire after two top commissioners resigned, leaving doubts over its effectiveness.
The complaint also accuses Mr Marcos of betraying public trust by failing to oppose unplanned spending in the last budget, which critics say is prone to corruption.
“We also hold the President responsible for willfully failing to prevent unplanned funds, although he was able to do so,” said Mr. De Jesus.
The complaint also brought up his decision to send former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity in his anti-drug campaign, allegations that he bypassed domestic legal procedures.
“Since the beginning of his tenure, his administration has been plagued by corruption scandals, budget manipulation and misuse of public funds – all following decisions made or approved at the highest level,” according to the complaint.
Members of the opposition Makabayan welcomed the application. Party list lawyers. Antonio L. Tinio, Renee Louise M. Co and Sarah Jane Elago said their bloc will conduct its own impeachment campaign.
“We believe that the basis for indictment exists in the systematic looting of the budget,” they said in a statement.
Under the 1987 Constitution, impeachment can be pursued for constitutional violations, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. A petition needs approval from at least one-third of the House members before it can be sent to the Senate, which meets as an impeachment court.
‘FORM AND SUBSTANCE’
House officials said the appeal is ready for review.
“The decision is up to the individual members, and this will be voted on by the justice committee,” said the House Justice Committee official and Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro. He also added that the program will check whether the filing is “adequate for the situation and for the specific matter.”
This request for trial may test the decision of the Supreme Court which was issued in July last year which strengthened the rules in the trial. The court said that due process and fairness should apply at all stages of the process.
Bukidnon lawyer Jonathan Keith T. Flores said there are no other charges against Mr. Marcos can be dealt with once the pending case is referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
“It will close all other complaints, and this one will be the basis of the judicial committee as to what they will close,” said Mr. Flores, the vice chairman of the committee that will investigate the issue of expulsion, told the media.
The complaint against Mr. Marcos “can be easily dismissed as it lacks form and substance,” said Deputy House Minority Leader and Caloocan Rep. Edgar R. Erice in the Viber message, raising doubts about its purpose.
The Constitution prohibits Congress from initiating more than one impeachment of the same official during a single calendar year.
Mr. Flores rejected the idea that bias could affect the Judiciary Committee, saying that its members will judge the case based on what it does instead of dismissing the appeal outright. This committee is made up mostly of lawmakers who are close to the President.
“Of course it will depend on what reasons are mentioned in the impeachment complaint and what evidence they can present,” he said. “These things can change the minds of members of the House, even if they are with the President right now.”
