Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong on Friday defended the Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives after it declined to receive impeachment complaints filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and a group led by former Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Mike Defensor, saying the move was in strict compliance with House rules.
“The receipt of an impeachment complaint is not a casual or clerical transaction,” Adiong said.
“It is a formal constitutional act that must strictly comply with House rules. It cannot be improvised, delegated casually, or reduced to a mere drop-off,” he added.
The complaints were not received last Thursday after a subordinate of House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil explained that she was on an official trip to Taiwan to receive an award.
Adiong clarified that under the chamber’s rules, impeachment complaints must be formally filed with and received by the Secretary General, who serves as custodian of House records and certifications. He stressed that acceptance of such complaints is not a ministerial act.
“The Secretary General is required, upon receipt, to determine whether the complaint is complete and whether it complies with constitutional and rules-based requirements on form, including verification, endorsements, and accompanying documents,” Adiong explained.
“This is not a mechanical function that can be exercised without authority or accountability,” he said.
He warned that accepting an impeachment complaint without the Secretary General would expose the House to procedural challenges and claims of irregularity. That would be a far more serious breach of duty.
Adiong also noted that Garafil’s absence was due to a documented, pre-scheduled overseas engagement.
“Moreover, ang House ay kasalukuyang nasa legislative recess. Kaya hindi po maaasahan na kumpleto ang mga tao sa House araw-araw, at marami po sa kanila ang may mahahalagang opisyal na tungkulin na inaasikaso sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas o sa labas nito,” he pointed out.
“There is no refusal to receive any complaint,” Adiong stressed. “There is only adherence to the rules that govern how such complaints are properly received.”
He emphasized that the official actions of Garafil’s office enjoy the presumption of regularity.
“Impeachment is a constitutional proceeding with grave consequences,” Adiong asserted. “It is governed by precision, not convenience. Compliance with the rules is not obstruction— it is the Constitution at work.”