Understanding the Impeachment Process in the Philippine Constitution

By: Justin 6/2/2025

Philippine Constitution

The 1987 Philippine Constitution upholds accountability among public officers through a process called impeachment. This is the legal mechanism for removing high-ranking government officials who commit serious offenses while in office.

Outlined in Article XI: Accountability of Public Officers, the impeachment process is a vital check-and-balance tool in a democratic system.

🏛️ Who Can Be Impeached?

According to Section 2, the following officials may be removed from office through impeachment:

  • The President
  • The Vice President
  • The Members of the Supreme Court
  • The Members of the Constitutional Commissions (CSC, COMELEC, COA)
  • The Ombudsman

⚖️ What Are the Grounds for Impeachment?

Impeachment may only proceed on specific grounds:

  • Culpable violation of the Constitution
  • Treason
  • Bribery
  • Graft and corruption
  • Other high crimes
  • Betrayal of public trust

📌 "Culpable violation" means willful and intentional breaches of the Constitution.

🔄 How Does the Impeachment Process Work?

The impeachment process follows a two-stage procedure:

1. Initiation in the House of Representatives

  • Any citizen may file a verified complaint, provided it is endorsed by a member of the House of Representatives.
  • The House Committee on Justice determines whether the complaint is sufficient in form and substance.
  • Only one impeachment proceeding per official per year is allowed.
  • The House must approve the Articles of Impeachment by a vote of at least one-third of all its members.

2. Trial in the Senate

  • The Senate serves as the Impeachment Court.
  • If the President is being tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial.
  • A minimum of two-thirds vote of all Senators is required to convict the impeached official.

✅ What Happens Upon Conviction?

  • The official is removed from office.
  • The official is permanently disqualified from holding any public office.
  • The official may still face criminal, civil, or administrative liability through regular court proceedings.

🛡️ Why Is Impeachment Important?

Impeachment is not a criminal trial, but a political process designed to hold the highest public officials accountable. It reflects the principle that no one is above the law and serves to protect the people from abuse of power.

It is a vital part of the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution.

📚 Summary of Key Provisions (Plain Format)

  • Who can be impeached? President, Vice President, Supreme Court justices, Constitutional Commission members, Ombudsman.
  • Who initiates impeachment? Any citizen (with endorsement), or a House member.
  • Who conducts the trial? The Senate, acting as an impeachment court.
  • Vote needed to impeach in the House? One-third (1/3) of all members.
  • Vote needed to convict in the Senate? Two-thirds (2/3) of all members.
  • Who presides if the President is tried? The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
  • Penalties after conviction? Removal from office, disqualification from future office, and possible criminal prosecution.

📌 Final Note

The impeachment process in the Philippine Constitution is a powerful safeguard for democracy. It ensures that public officials remain accountable, answerable, and subject to the rule of law. For students and examinees, understanding this process is essential in appreciating how the country’s government stays in check.

For more constitutional insights and exam reviewers, visit brevph.

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