How an Impeachment Case Is Done

​Impeachment is a constitutional process used to remove high officials for serious wrongdoing. It is not the same as removal — it’s the formal charge. Here’s how it works in most presidential systems (U.S. and PH-style)

IMPEACHMENT PROCESS

1. File complaint

2. Committee review

3. House vote → impeachment

4. Senate trial

5. 2/3 vote → conviction

6. Removal + disqualification

1️⃣ Filing of Complaint

A complaint can be filed by:

• A citizen (endorsed by a lawmaker)

• A member of the House of Representatives

• Or by the legislature itself via resolution

The complaint must allege impeachable offenses such as:

• Betrayal of public trust

• Graft & corruption

• Bribery

• High crimes

• Treason

2️⃣ House Committee Review

The complaint is sent to the Justice / Rules Committee (PH or US context varies).

They check if:

• The complaint is sufficient in form

• Sufficient in substance

• Supported by evidence or documents

If it fails → Dismissed.

If it passes → Goes to hearings.

3️⃣ House Hearings & Voting

The committee holds:

• Hearings

• Witness questioning

• Evidence review

Afterwards, the full House votes.

To impeach, you need a simple majority.

If majority votes YES → The official is impeached.

If NO → Case dies.

4️⃣ Senate Impeachment Trial

Once impeached, the case moves to the Senate, which acts as a court.

They conduct:

• A full trial

• Witness testimony

• Evidence presentation

The Senate President (or Chief Justice if the President is on trial) presides.

5️⃣ Senate Verdict

Senators vote guilty or not guilty.

✔️ Guilty = Removal from office + possible disqualification

❌ Not guilty = Acquitted, remains in office

A 2/3 vote is required to convict.

6️⃣ Possible Aftermath

Even if acquitted:

• Additional investigations can continue

• Public opinion may still affect reputation

• Officials may face regular criminal cases after their term

IMPEACHMENT PROCESS ̶

1埈 Filing of Complaint

Citizens (endorsed by a lawmaker) or House members may file. Must allege

impeachable offenses like betrayal of public trust, corruption, bribery, high

crimes, or treason.

2埈 Committee Review

House Committee reviews if the complaint is sufficient in form and substance

before hearings start.

3埈 House Hearings & Voting

Committee evaluates evidence, conducts hearings. Simple majority vote in the

House is needed to impeach.

4埈 Senate Impeachment Trial

Senate conducts a full trial with witnesses, evidence, and arguments.

5埈 Senate Verdict

Conviction requires a 2/3 Senate vote. Guilty = removal from office. Not

guilty = acquitted.

6埈 Aftermath

Acquittal does not stop possible future investigations or cases after the

official's term.

HAVEFUNKEEPFIT

Coach Oel