Manila: With 39 votes in favor and four against, the House Committee on Justice has approved the committee report dismissing the two impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for insufficiency of substance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Committee chairperson and Batangas Representative Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro stated in a press briefing that the decision to dismiss the complaints, filed by De Jesus and Maza et al., was due to their insufficiency in substance. The dismissal, however, is still pending approval by the House in plenary, where the signed committee resolution will be reviewed and included in the House Order of Business.

Luistro explained that for the decision to be finalized, a one-third vote of all the members of the House of Representatives is required. This next step will determine whether the dismissal is approved or disapproved.

Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, who voted to adopt the committee report, noted that the testimony of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo did not provide sufficient evidence to directly implicate the President in the alleged insertions and kickbacks related to flood control project funds for 2025.

Rodriguez further mentioned that video statements purportedly made by former representative Zaldy Co were inadmissible as corroborating evidence since they were neither notarized nor made within Philippine jurisdiction.