From Inquirer

By Rhianna Ramos

On Friday, February 6, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed relief after the House of Representatives Committee on Justice dismissed the two impeachment complaints filed against him, saying he is glad that the ordeal is over and that his government can now get on with its work.

Marcos said the impeachment efforts were distractions from the work that the government was doing, adding that he was not very worried about the proceedings because he saw “no real grounds” for the allegations against him.

“I’m glad that the impeachment complaints against me have been … are finished,” the President told reporters, underscoring his satisfaction that the Congress dealt with the matter and the administration can now focus on its legislative agenda and national priorities.

The impeachment complaints were thrown out by the House justice panel on the grounds of “insufficiency in substance,” effectively halting the process at the committee level. 

Additionally, if upheld by the plenary, the dismissal could grant Marcos a one-year immunity from further impeachment attempts under constitutional rules.

The first complaint was filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy party-list representatives, while a second was lodged by members of the Makabayan bloc, and both were found lacking sufficient evidence to warrant further proceedings.

Marcos described the impeachment efforts as politically motivated and reiterated that he saw them as part of routine political maneuvering rather than a serious legal threat.

He added that upon reviewing the complaints, he was confident they would not succeed, noting that they did not raise issues that could legally or constitutionally justify his removal from office.

With the impeachment issue settled, the President stressed that his administration remains committed to advancing its legislative and governance priorities.

He highlighted the need for stability in government by citing that resolving political distractions allows officials to concentrate on addressing economic challenges, implementing reforms, and delivering public services.

When asked about the separate impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos declined to comment, saying that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives.

The President added that it was not his role to intervene or offer opinions on proceedings involving other elected officials.

Despite the dismissal of the complaints, opposition lawmakers and critics raised concerns over the House’s decision, arguing that it weakens accountability mechanisms.

Members of the Makabayan bloc said serious allegations against public officials should not be dismissed outright and warned against framing impeachment as a mere political distraction.

As the impeachment issue recedes from the political spotlight, attention now turns to how the Marcos administration will use the “political breathing room” to push its agenda in Congress and address the country’s economic and social challenges.