The House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to dismiss two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., though lawmakers from Bohol province declined to disclose how they voted.
The dismissal passed 284-8 with four abstentions following a recommendation from the House Committee on Justice, chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin announced the complaints were “dismissed” after the nominal voting concluded.
The complaints were filed separately by attorney Andre De Jesus and a group of activists led by former Rep. Liza Maza.
Both alleged various constitutional violations by Marcos, though specific charges were not detailed in available records.
Luistro said the complaints lacked substantive merit and failed to establish clear connections between the president and any impeachable offense.
She characterized them as policy disagreements and general accusations rather than constitutional violations.
The Philippine Constitution allows impeachment of the president, vice president, Supreme Court justices and other officials for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.
Silent
Three members of Congress representing Bohol did not respond to media inquiries about their votes: 1st District Rep. Baba Yap, 2nd District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado, 3rd District Rep. Alexie Tutor.
Rep. Tutor reportedly did not vote, as she is on maternity leave after recently giving birth.
At the committee level, the De Jesus complaint was dismissed 42-1 with three abstentions.
The complaint filed by Maza and others failed to advance, receiving seven votes in favor and 39 against.
Leaders of major political parties — including Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-CMD and Nationalist People’s Coalition — supported the dismissal, saying it would allow the government to focus on public service and national stability.
Luistro said dismissing complaints lacking substance protects the constitutional purpose of impeachment and guards against its use as a harassment tool.