Deliberations on the impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are set to begin next week, with the House Committee on Justice moving to fix dates for an initial review focused on procedural and substantive sufficiency. Committee chairperson Gerville Luistro said February 2 to 4 are being eyed for discussions limited to determining whether the filings meet the required standards.
Speaking to reporters, Luistro said the panel will consolidate the two verified complaints already referred by the House plenary before assessing compliance with formal requirements, followed by an evaluation of whether the allegations adequately support impeachable grounds. She noted that additional hearing days may be scheduled if the allotted dates are insufficient. The proceedings at this stage will involve committee members only, according to the chair.
Once the threshold review is cleared, the respondent will be given the chance to answer the consolidated complaint. The committee may call hearings and issue invitations, but Luistro said attendance remains the respondent’s choice, framing participation as part of due process. She added that complainants and potential witnesses could also be invited as the panel considers whether probable cause exists.
The developments were reported by ABS-CBN News, which cited separate statements from lawmakers and complainants expressing differing views on the strength of the allegations. Luistro also confirmed that with the initiation of proceedings, the constitutional one-year bar on filing subsequent impeachment complaints against the same official has taken effect.
