A second impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to be filed at the House of Representatives on Thursday, January 22 by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and allied organizations.
In an interview with DZRH Damdaming Bayan, BAYAN President Renato Reyes said various groups are prepared to proceed to the House to formally lodge the complaint, citing betrayal of public trust as the primary ground for impeachment.
“Nakahanda ang iba’t ibang grupo na magtungo sa House of Representatives para i-file ang impeachment complaint laban sa Pangulo on the ground of betrayal of public trust,” Reyes said.
“Pinagkanuno ang tiwala ang publiko sa kanyang opisina, ito ay may kinalaman doon sa korapsyon, sa national budget , ‘yung mga pork barrel allocables..unprogrammed appropriations at syempre ang mga seryosong alegasyon ng mga SOP, kickbacks, commitments na ipinadala sa mga opisyal ng Palasyo,“ he added.
BAYAN drew parallels between the impeachment case earlier filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying betrayal of public trust is a broad ground that covers a range of actions related to the national budget and alleged corruption scandals that have affected the Marcos administration.
“Tingin namin ay sapat na ito, kailangan lang naman ng isang ground, ang mahalaga ay maipakita specific na ginagawa ng pangulo na masasabing ito ay betrayal of public trust,” the group said.
Responding to questions on whether the complaint is supported only by media reports, BAYAN maintained that its allegations are backed by official government documents.
According to Reyes, these include the national budget prepared and signed by the President, the release of unprogrammed appropriations—which it said can only occur with presidential approval—and a Supreme Court resolution related to PhilHealth funds.
BAYAN claims these funds were allegedly used to finance unprogrammed appropriations and corrupt flood control projects.
The group also cited testimonies from government officials, including former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, as well as statements made by former Ako Bicol Partylist Zaldy Co, which it said led to the resignation of high officials close to Marcos.
“Ito ay dapat tingnan sa kabuuan at pakinggan. Huwag ididismiss na naman dahil palibhasa sila ang nakakarami na numero kaya nilang patayin ang impeachment na ito, dead-on-arrival. Huwag sanang ganon. Public interest ito,” Reyes said.
The first-ever impeachment complaint against the President was formally filed at the House on Monday, January 19, lodged by lawyer de Jesus, citing alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust as the grounds for impeachment.
