Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Flores on Monday said House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos has no choice but to follow the impeachment process, even if the respondent is his father, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Speaking at a press conference, Flores explained that the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus against the President will be processed strictly under House rules.
The complaint, once received by the Office of the Secretary General, must be forwarded to the Office of the Speaker, which has 10 session days to include it in the order of business. Within three session days, it must then be referred to the House Committee on Justice.
Asked about possible conflict of interest since Sandro Marcos chairs the House Committee on Rules, Flores stressed that procedure leaves no room for discretion.
“I think there is no choice for him because it really says that it has to be referred to the Committee on Justice,” Flores said.
“Even if he is the majority leader and even if the impeachable officer that is complained of is his father, wala siyang magawa because and procedure talaga is after it is included in the order of business, in three days it has to be referred to the committee on justice,” he added.
Flores’ remarks underscore the constitutional mandate of the House to process impeachment complaints, regardless of political sensitivities or family ties.