THE first impeachment complaint filed against President Rodrigo Duterte was referred to the House committee on justice and may finally be tackled for its form and substance.

During Tuesday's session at the House of Representatives, lawmakers present agreed to the motion to refer the complaint filed by Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano last March 16.

This is the first impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, who was elected President in May 2016.

Alejano alleged that Duterte violated the Constitution, was engaged in bribery, and participated in extrajudicial killings when he was the mayor of Davao city, and continued until his election as President.

He also accused Duterte of accumulating hidden wealth amounting to P2.2 billion.

Duterte previously discouraged the filing of impeachment raps against him and Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo, both having just been elected less than a year ago. (SunStar Philippines)