Francisco v. House of Representatives et. al. G.R NO.

160261

Facts: June 2, 2003, former Pres.Joseph Estrada filed an impeachment complaint against Chief
Justice Davide Jr. and 7 associate justices for culpable violation of the constitution, betrayal of
public trust & other high crimes. The House committee on Justice voted to dismiss the first
impeachment complaint on Oct.22,2003 for being insufficient in substance. The Committee
Report has not been sent to the House in plenary. The following day, a second impeachment
complaint was filed with the Secretary General of the House by Rep. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. &
Rep. Felix Fuentebella. Thus arose the instant petitions against the House of Representatives,
et.al.most of which contends that the filing of the second impeachment is unconstitutional as it
violates the provisions of Section 3 of Article XI of the Constitution.

Issue:
1.) Whether or not the second impeachment is unconstitutional?

Decision:
1.) Yes.

Ratio Decidendi:
Once an impeachment complaint has been initiated in the foregoing manner, another
may not be filed against the same official within one year period following Article XI, Section 3
(5) of the Constitution The second impeachment complaint violates the constitutional prohibition
against the initiation of impeachment proceedings against the same impeachable officer within
one-year period.