MANILA, Philippines — What was supposed to be a routine filing turned into a tense standoff at the House of Representatives on Thursday.
At least two new impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were filed.
Both were refused.
The reason?
The official authorized to receive the documents was out of the country.
And that did not sit well with the complainants.
“A Clear Violation”
One group, led by former Rep. Michael Defensor and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, attempted to file what would be the third impeachment complaint against the President.
But the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG) declined to receive it, citing the absence of its head, Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
Standing beside Defensor and Singson were several lawyers and political figures, including Manuelito Luna, Jacinto Paras, Cathy Binag, Harold Respicio, Virgilio Garcia, and Ferdinand Topacio.
Moments after the rejection, emotions ran high.
Defensor did not mince words.
He called the refusal “a clear violation of the Rules of the House and the 1987 Constitution.”
“The Constitution gives the House the sole power to initiate impeachment,” Defensor said.
“The Secretary-General has a ministerial duty to receive and record duly filed complaints.”
Their charges?
Culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
Another Complaint, Same Fate
Earlier that same day, Koalisyong Makabayan faced the very same roadblock.
Their impeachment complaint against Marcos was also refused by the OSG — for the same reason.
With no one to formally accept the filing, the group made a decision.
They left a copy of the complaint at the office.
Among those present were Bayan Chair Renato Reyes, former lawmakers Teodoro Casiño, Neri Colmenares, Liza Maza, and France Castro.
Their complaint accused the President of betrayal of public trust, citing his failure to veto unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 national budget, as well as similar allocations from 2022 to 2025 — funds they linked to the controversial flood control scandal.
The complaint carried the backing of the Makabayan Bloc, led by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co.
“We Followed the Rules”
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño stood firm.
“What we did was leave a copy in the office,” he said.
“As far as we’re concerned, we complied with the rules.”
Under House rules, impeachment complaints must first be filed with the Secretary-General before they are transmitted to the Office of the Speaker.
Palace Pushes Back: “Prove It”
Malacañang was quick to respond.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissed the accusations and challenged critics to back them up.
“If they say it’s abusive, they need to prove it,” Castro said.
“Without proof, they’re just weaving stories.”
She added that President Marcos remains confident.
“The President believes he has not violated any law and has not committed any impeachable offense.”
What Happens Next?
With complaints piling up — and none officially received — the battle now shifts beyond paperwork.
For critics, the refusal raises serious constitutional questions.
For the Palace, it’s all noise without evidence.
And for the public, one thing is clear:
This fight is far from over.
