Two lawmakers from the House minority bloc signaled on Wednesday that they see no grounds at this time to initiate an impeachment case against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., despite explosive accusations aired online by resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co.
The discussion surfaced after Co released a three-part video over the weekend claiming that the President and former Speaker Martin Romualdez benefited from P56 billion in kickbacks tied to alleged P100-billion insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget. He asserted that the questionable provisions were introduced during bicameral deliberations and linked former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin to the process.
Kamanggagawa Rep. Eli San Fernando cautioned that the videos alone could not support an impeachment case. “The problem is that everything he said has no legal weight; it’s just on social media,” he said, urging Co to testify formally. “That’s why we’re telling the former representative to come home, and if he was truly serious about his allegations, then submit them under oath.”
Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña shared the same view, saying there is “no compelling reason yet” to pursue a complaint against the President. He stressed that any filing must be built on “facts and evidence,” noting that past impeachment efforts had been grounded on documented irregularities.
Cendaña pointed to the House inquiry conducted during the 19th Congress into Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds, which uncovered what he described as a pattern of questionable disbursements, including acknowledgment receipts signed by supposed “ghost” beneficiaries such as “Mary Grace Piattos.” That probe formed the basis of the impeachment complaint endorsed in December 2024. “We will follow where the evidence is. But until then, there remains no compelling reason, because we think any impeachment complaint must be founded on facts and evidence,” he said.
Although both lawmakers said the Palace could not dismiss Co’s claims outright—given that high-ranking officials were implicated—they also emphasized that impeachment remains a political process that may not advance without concrete proof. San Fernando added that the broader public may be seeking accountability rather than a shake-up at the top. “In any case, I don’t think a change in leadership is what the public wants; what they want is accountability, what they want are charges filed, laws that would be useful for them,” he said.
As the controversy simmered, local executives rallied behind the President. The League of Cities of the Philippines, representing 149 mayors, released a statement affirming its backing for Marcos amid renewed calls for him to step down. “The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) reiterates its full support for the leadership of His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., being the duly constitutionally elected President of the Republic of the Philippines,” the group declared.
“We stand behind his commitment to further empower LGUs in advancing public infrastructure, education, and health services, while upholding transparency and accountability in public governance,” it added.
The resignation calls were most recently amplified by the United People’s Initiative, which includes retired military officials, during a two-day rally at the People Power monument in Quezon City. The agitation intensified when Sen. Imee Marcos, speaking before a separate crowd convened by Iglesia Ni Kristo in Manila, brought up allegations about her brother’s drug use.
Malacañang press officer Claire Castro earlier dismissed suggestions that the President should step down, saying resignation was “not an option” and that “(he) is still working and continues to work for the country.”
