Marcos Jr Impeachment Complaint 2026: Corruption Scandals and Duterte Feud Threaten Stability

The political honeymoon in Manila has officially ended. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is facing his first impeachment complaint, filed on January 19, 2026. According to Reuters, the move adds a volatile layer to a landscape already scarred by corruption allegations and a high-stakes power struggle with the influential Duterte family.

Marcos Jr Impeachment Complaint 2026: Origins and Outlook

While analysts suggest the complaint is unlikely to secure a conviction in the Marcos-aligned legislature, it serves as a potent political weapon. The timing is critical as opponents look to build momentum ahead of the 2028 general elections. The administration is currently battling fallout from a graft scandal involving flood mitigation funds, which has already forced a revision of the 2026 economic growth targets.

The rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps has shifted from subtle tension to open warfare. Former President Rodrigo Duterte's allies are increasingly critical of the current leadership, focusing on economic mismanagement and transparency issues. Despite the government's announcement of a record gas discovery and new trade pacts, the shadow of impeachment threatens to derail the administration's policy agenda.

Implications for Investors in Southeast Asia

Data indicates a cooling IPO market, with only 2 listings recorded recently as corruption concerns weigh on investor sentiment. As the country prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, the ability of Marcos Jr. to maintain internal stability will be a litmus test for regional confidence.