Impeachment Day 1 Recap: 2 Complaints Survive, 1 Set Aside Over One-Year Bar, 1 Withdrawn — Here's What Happened

The first day of Vice President Sara Duterte's second impeachment round ended Monday with only two of four complaints surviving the initial test. The House Justice Committee found the third and fourth complaints sufficient in form — meaning they were properly signed, verified, and endorsed by a lawmaker.

The first complaint, filed by Makabayan on February 2, was 'set aside' in a 22-to-10 vote over a legal technicality. The issue: Makabayan filed days before February 6, the date the Supreme Court repeatedly cited as the expiry of the one-year bar. Makabayan argued a newer SC resolution implied the bar expired on January 14, 2026 instead — but the committee disagreed.

'What is implied cannot overturn what is expressed,' said committee member Keith Flores, who raised the motion. Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua added: 'We are trying to be careful with the interpretation because this is an issue of jurisdiction.'

The second complaint, filed by Tindig Pilipinas, was voluntarily withdrawn. Professor Kiko Aquino Dee's group decided to consolidate support behind the third complaint — filed by clergy members and endorsed by Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima — to avoid delays. Committee vice chair Bel Zamora stressed that removing two complaints 'did not diminish the merits' of the case.

The committee resumes Tuesday, March 3, to determine substance sufficiency of the two surviving complaints. If either passes that test, VP Duterte will be formally notified and given a chance to respond. The allegations center on the misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, SALN discrepancies, and threats against President Marcos.

Source: Rappler