Duterte lawyers, allies try filing 3rd impeach complaint vs Marcos

January 22, 2026 | 4:03pm

MANILA, Philippines — A third group attempted to file an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday, January 22. This time, complainants were composed of lawyers and former congressmen who are known Duterte allies. 

But just like the second impeachment complaint filed by progressive groups earlier today, the House Office of the Secretary General (OSG) chose not to receive the third complaint because Secretary General Cheloy Garafil was unavailable. 

Garafil is reportedly in Taipei to receive the Order of the Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon civilian award from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 23. 

"The refusal of the Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives to accept the impeachment complaint is a clear violation of both the rules of the House and the 1987 Constitution," former lawmaker Mike Defensor told reporters.  

"By refusing to accept the complaint, the office effectively usurps the constitutional authority of the House itself and denies the Filipino people their only lawful mechanism to raise grievances against a sitting president," he added. 

Progressive groups have made the same argument, with Bayan Muna Chairperson Neri Colmenares and former lawmaker Teddy Casiño stressing that House rules require only that the complaint be filed with and received by the OSG, not specifically the secretary general.

The third complaint accuses Marcos of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

The allegations include:

• Recommending unprogrammed appropriations and not vetoing them
• Choosing not to veto the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) Program
• Illegal drug use and drug addiction
• Receiving billions in kickbacks, citing former lawmaker Elizaldy Co's claims
• Former president Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court
• Importation of 440,000 metric tons of sugar in 2023
• Renewing the Malampaya contract for another 15 years in 2023
• Allegedly knowing of corruption and wrongdoing by his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez

The seven complainants are former Reps. Mike Defensor and Jacinto Paras, lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Manuelito Delos Reyes Luna, Harold Respicio, Virgilio Garcia and social media personality Mary Catherine Diaz Binag.

Asked whether they would file the complaint on another day, Defensor said they would pursue other legal avenues, such as the Supreme Court, and that he would not go back to the House merely to refile it.

The first impeachment complaint was filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus on January 19 and endorsed by Rep. Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy Party-list). It was transmitted to the Speaker's office on January 21 and must be included in the Order of Business within 10 session days.

Congress resumes its session on January 26. If the first complaint is referred to the House justice committee, impeachment proceedings against Marcos would be deemed initiated, triggering the one-year bar that would prevent any further impeachment complaints from being entertained.

Several House lawmakers have questioned the substance and evidence supporting the first complaint, saying it is unlikely to succeed, especially with the strong support Marcos continues to enjoy in the lower chamber.

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