MANILA – An impeachment complaint was filed on Monday before the House of Representatives against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with Pusong Pinoy Party-list Representative Jett Nisay endorsing the filing.
Under Article XI of the 1987 Constitution on the “Accountability of Public Officers,” the president, vice president, justices of the Supreme Court, members of constitutional commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office by impeachment and conviction for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.
The Constitution clarifies that all other public officers and employees may be removed by law but not through impeachment.
The impeachment process begins in the House of Representatives, where any verified complaint may be filed by a House member or any citizen, provided it is endorsed by at least one lawmaker.
The complaint must be included in the Order of Business within 10 session days and referred to the appropriate committee within three session days.
Following hearings, the House committee must submit a report within 60 session days. The resolution will then be calendared for plenary consideration within 10 session days.
“At least one-third of all Members of the House shall be necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution with the Articles of Impeachment of the Committee, or override its contrary resolution,” according to Section 3(3) of Article XI, noting that each member’s vote must be recorded.
If a verified complaint or resolution is filed by at least one-third of House members, it automatically becomes the Articles of Impeachment and proceeds to trial at the Senate.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, may convict the impeached official with the vote of two-thirds of all its members.