Mindanao solon dare critics to secure Marcos impeachment endorser

Critics were urged Thursday by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong to stop what he described as unnecessary noise surrounding impeachment efforts against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., saying the real hurdle facing some groups is the absence of a House member willing to endorse their complaint.

The solon said claims aired by Atty. Ferdie Topacio and former Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor lack factual basis, stressing that the issue has nothing to do with the process being blocked.

“The problem is straightforward: there is no House member endorser,” Adiong said. “Without an endorser, the complaint cannot move. That is what the rules clearly provide.”

“I believe nobody is stopping them,” Adiong added. “If they really want the impeachment complaint to move, the rule is very simple: they need a House member to endorse it.”

He emphasized that the matter does not touch on the merits of any complaint, nor does it involve alleged interference by any official, but rests solely on compliance with constitutional and House requirements.

“This is not about being stopped or blocked,” Adiong said. “It’s about meeting a basic requirement. The absence of an endorser is the main issue.”

Adiong’s remarks echoed earlier clarifications by House Committee on Justice chair Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” R. Luistro, who said impeachment complaints filed by private individuals will not be transmitted to the Office of the Speaker unless endorsed by a House member.

Luistro said in a recent media forum that just like any other bill, it must be sponsored by at least a member of the House. “If this is filed by a private individual at walang mag-sponsor, it will not be transmitted to the Office of the Speaker.”

She explained that impeachment complaints may be filed only in two ways: either by a private individual endorsed by a House member, or through the signature and verification of at least one-third of all House members. Without meeting either requirement, a complaint does not enter the formal House process.

“It is not my intention to preempt any discussion on sufficiency,” Luistro said. “But by form, dapat supported ‘yan by a House member, dapat signed ng private individual at dapat verified by an authorized officer.”

Adiong said these rules are long established and intended to ensure order and fairness in the impeachment process.

“The process cannot be changed and since the rules are clear, they apply to everyone,” he added.

Once a complaint is properly endorsed and transmitted to the Speaker, the House follows a defined timetable, beginning with referral to the Committee on Justice and a step-by-step review of sufficiency in form and substance.

Adiong said it is a constitutional process, and if the complainants are serious about it, they should follow the process in order not to confuse the public.