SC ruling on impeachment criticized for undermining accountability

Legal experts warn that the Supreme Court's recent ruling on impeachment proceedings could undermine legitimate attempts at accountability by allowing baseless complaints to block valid cases.

Last week, the court ruled that articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte were unconstitutional due to multiple filings within a year, violating Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution.

Critics argue the decision contradicts previous rulings and imposes new procedural requirements retroactively, denying due process.

PhilConsa, chaired by retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, described the ruling as inviting 'dangerous abuse' that opens a door for impeachable officials or their allies to deliberately file weak or premature complaints to block real efforts at accountability.

The organization stressed that earlier complaints never reached the stage of being deemed sufficient in form and substance and referred to the Committee on Justice, arguing that treating them as having initiated proceedings defies logic and constitutional intent.