MANILA – The House Committee on Justice on Monday approved a committee report and accompanying resolution dismissing two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for insufficiency of substance.

The panel voted 39-4 in favor of adopting the report, which junked the impeachment complaints filed by De Jesus and Maza et al.

“Dahil nanindigan ang Justice Committee na hindi sufficient in substance ang De Jesus at Maza et al. complaints, pinagtibay na rin ng Committee na i-dismiss ang dalawang impeachment complaints laban sa ating Pangulo,” Justice Committee Chairperson and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro said.

Luistro clarified that the dismissal is still subject to approval by the House of Representatives sitting in plenary once the signed committee resolution is transmitted and included in the House Order of Business.

“Para po ito ma-approve o ma-disapprove, the requirement is at least a one-third vote of all the Members of the House of Representatives,” she added.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, in explaining his vote to adopt the report, said the testimony of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo failed to directly connect the President to the alleged insertions and kickbacks involving funds for flood control projects in 2025.

“There is nothing in the statements of Usec. Bernardo that directly link the President,” Rodriguez said.

He also noted that video statements allegedly made by former Rep. Zaldy Co could not be considered corroborating evidence as these were not notarized and were recorded outside Philippine territory.

Luistro further said the one-year bar on filing subsequent impeachment complaints against the President was triggered when the De Jesus and Maza complaints were transmitted to the Committee on Justice on January 26, 2025.

“January 27, 2027, wala nang existing na one-year prohibition period,” she said.