The House Committee on Justice will start public hearings on Monday, February 2, to determine whether the two impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are sufficient in form and substance.
To be led by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, the hearings will begin at 10 a.m. and will tackle the verified impeachment complaints filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus and by former lawmakers from the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan together with militant group leaders.
This marks the first time impeachment complaints against Marcos have reached the committee level in the House of Representatives, although the process remains in its early stages.
The justice panel is expected to hear the opening statements of the complainants, after which the two complaints may be consolidated. Daily hearings are scheduled until Wednesday to deliberate on the matter.
The primary objective of the hearings is to determine whether the complaints meet constitutional requirements on form and substance. Only complaints that pass this stage may be endorsed to the plenary for further action.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, a member of the justice panel, said lawmakers will decide based on evidence and personal judgment.
“Handa po ang buong committee na dinggin ‘yung dalawang tanong–sufficiency in form and sufficiency in substance–nung dalawang impeachment complaints na filed laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong R. Marcos Jr.,” Ridon said.
“Impeachment proceedings will always be based on facts, it will be based on evidence, and decisions relating to the impeachment will be based on the conscience of every House member,” he added.
Ridon stressed that external opinions would not influence the committee’s deliberations, noting that constitutional standards remain the guiding framework.
“Kasi ultimately ang pag-usapan po, sa anumang mga impeachment proceedings, ano ba ang batayan? Culpable violation of the Constitution ba ‘yan? Betrayal of public trust ba yan?” he said.
“Antabayanan po natin yung paglalahad ng complainants ng lahat ng kanilang magiging batayan dito sa pagsasampa ng kaso kay Pangulong Marcos,” Ridon added.
The hearings are scheduled amid reports about the President’s health, though Marcos has said he is feeling better. Luistro clarified that the President’s attendance is optional.
“It is actually his (Marcos) prerogative whether to come or not to come. If he will choose not to come, that will be interpreted as a waiver of his right to be present during the hearing,” she said.