Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s allies in Congress swiftly junked the filed impeachment complaint to oust him from Malacañang. They referred it to the House Committee on Justice on February 4 which, by a 39-7 vote, declared the case against the president “insufficient in substance.”

The complaint’s junking did not surprise the Makabayan bloc. They said this proves the government system’s rottenness, where Congress defends the interests of thieves and the corrupt. The basis of betrayal of public trust was sufficient for the seven who voted in favor of trying the president.

Congress will next discuss the two impeachment complaints against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte that were submitted on February 2. Makabayan bloc also endorsed one of them.

Progressive groups gathered outside Congress during the deliberation of both complaints to support their representatives who filed one of them. Having both the president and vice president face impeachment complaints to oust them from office is the first time in the country’s history. They declared: “Marcos, Duterte, both corrupt, impeach both!”