Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday dismissed as baseless a second impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this time lodged by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and endorsed by the Makabayan Bloc, saying the allegations lack proof and are largely speculative. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the complaint, which accuses the President of abuse of discretionary powers over unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget and alleged involvement in budget-related kickbacks, is 'story-weaving' without substance.
According to Philippines News Agency, the complaint was filed by Bayan chair Renato Reyes and former ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro, and endorsed by the Makabayan Bloc led by current ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co. The complaint accuses Marcos of betrayal of public trust for allegedly mishandling unprogrammed appropriations, a fund meant for urgent or unforeseen government needs and released at the President's discretion.
The complaint cited the use of a so-called BBM parametric formula or Baselined-Balanced-Managed (BBM) formula, institutionalized as a system akin to the controversial pork barrel. However, Castro stated that the administration has yet to see evidence supporting the allegation. She emphasized the need for proof, stating that without evidence, the allegations are mere fabrications.
'First of all, where is the BBM parametric formula we are talking about? They have to prove that. Second, on the pork barrel issue, we can prove that the actions of the President protected the budget,' Castro added. She noted that many were affected because their budgets were withheld for later release, indicating a measure of caution in budget management.
This is the second impeachment complaint filed against Marcos since he assumed office in 2022. The first, lodged by lawyer Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party-list Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay earlier this week, accused Marcos of constitutional violations and betrayal of public trust over alleged flood control project kickbacks and the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Malaca±ang has already dismissed the initial complaint as a rehash of previously addressed issues.
