Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) voiced serious concerns over what it described as a “race” in the filing of impeachment complaints, warning that procedural maneuvering could prevent the House of Representatives from considering what it claims is a stronger case against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH Damdaming Bayan on Thursday, BAYAN President Renato Reyes said the group is set to file a second impeachment complaint against the President, citing betrayal of public trust. However, Reyes said it fears its complaint may no longer be accepted following the earlier filing and transmission of a first impeachment case.
The first impeachment rap was filed by lawyer Andrei De Jesus, citing alleged culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust, and was endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party-list Representative Jett Nisay.
“Ito ang pinangangambahan namin kasi maaga silang nag-file, maaga silang na-transmit. Wala kaming katiyakan na tatanggapin ang aming complaint,” BAYAN said.
According to BAYAN representative Reyes, the group is particularly concerned that delays in receiving their complaint could result in the House referring the first impeachment case by Monday, triggering the constitutional one-year bar that would block any subsequent impeachment attempts.
He said House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil, was not at the House of Representatives today as she is currently out of the country.
The absence of the Secretary General raises fears that delays could prevent their complaint from being received in time, potentially allowing the first-filed impeachment case to be referred, which could trigger the constitutional one-year bar and block any subsequent impeachment attempts against Marcos.
“Wala kaming katiyakan na tatanggapin ang aming impeachment complaint. Sa inyo namin ito unang binabanggit, pero wala ang Secretary General ng House sa Kamara ngayong araw dahil siya ay out of the country,” Reyes said. “Ngayon, tinatanong namin kung may maaaring tumanggap ng aming complaint dahil kapag hindi ito tinanggap ngayong araw, ang pangamba namin baka sa Lunes ma-refer na ang unang complaint at hindi na makahabol ang ibang complaint.”
BAYAN warned that this scenario could result in what it called a “weak complaint” effectively shielding the President from accountability for an entire year.
“Mauuwi tayo sa isang mahinang complaint at mati-trigger na ang one-year bar at hindi na maaaring ma-impeach ang Pangulo,” Reyes said.
While BAYAN said it is prepared for the possibility that its complaint may not be received, it cautioned that such an outcome would raise questions about intent.
“Kapag hindi nila ito na-receive tapos sa Lunes na-refer na 'yung unang complaint, mapaghahalataan na sinasadya na hindi makahain ang mas malakas na complaint,” he added.
‘Rat race’ undermines public interest
BAYAN criticized the impeachment process as becoming a contest of speed rather than substance.
“Ito ang problema natin sa impeachment—nagiging unahan, karerahan ng daga. Sa halip na ang manaig ay ang substantial na usapin at interes ng publiko, nagiging paunahan at maniobrahan,” the group said.
The group stressed that the impeachment bid is not mere political harassment, countering claims from Malacañang that the move is purely political.
“Hindi ito pamumulitika lang katulad ng sinabi ng Palasyo, ang mahalaga dito ang public interest. Lehitimong interest ng publiko na mabatid ang katotohanan at maging accountable o managot ang may kinalaman sa pagwawaldas ng taumbayan. Ito ay bahagi rin ng pagpapaalam natin o pag-e-educate sa publiko kung paano tayo ninanakawan systematically ng matataas na opisyal,” Reyes emphasized.
Grounds and evidence
BAYAN said the second impeachment complaint is backed by solid evidence, including official government documents.
These include the national budget prepared and signed by Marcos, the release of unprogrammed appropriations that require presidential approval, and a Supreme Court resolution related to PhilHealth funds.
The group alleged that PhilHealth funds were used to finance unprogrammed appropriations and questionable flood control projects.
It also cited testimonies from government officials such as Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, as well as statements made by former Ako Bicol Party-list Zaldy Co, which BAYAN said led to the resignation of senior officials close to the President.
“Kaya nilang patayin ang impeachment na ito, dead-on-arrival. Huwag sanang ganon. Public interest ito,” he noted.
BAYAN and its allies are expected to proceed to the House of Representatives today, Thursday, January 22, to attempt to formally file the second impeachment complaint against Marcos.
