The House plenary may still overturn the decision of the House Committee on Justice, which earlier declared two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. insufficient in substance.
Committee chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro explained that only one-third of the chamber’s total membership is required to reverse the panel’s ruling once the committee report reaches the plenary.
The committee is set to meet on Monday, February 9, to finalize and approve its report for transmittal.
“We intend to transmit right away to the plenary, but it depends on the plenary as to when the same will be tackled on the floor,” Luistro said.
She stressed that the committee’s findings are not final and remain subject to the will of House members.
“We should be mindful that the committee report can still be reversed by at least one-third of all the members of the House of Representatives,” she added.
Luistro explained that if the plenary votes to reverse the report, the Justice Committee would be compelled to proceed with drafting the Articles of Impeachment.
The House of Representatives currently has 318 members in the 20th Congress, meaning at least 106 votes are needed to overturn the committee’s decision.