Importance Of Impeachment

The system of checks and balances plays a big role in maintaining our government’s democratic identity. Thus, it is of great importance that such principle be active and alive in spirit and in action within our government. A democratic government is that which stands for the public interest and common good. It is said to uphold to its best efforts integrity, loyalty, truthfulness, and dedication to its people. This is why public officials who violate such qualities are subjected to impeachment. Although, in our country and as stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, only the President, Vice-President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman shall be subjected for impeachment while

Yet, since 1987 to this date, such power to impeach has always been bestowed to the legislative branch of the government; the branch of which is responsible in the creation, deliberation, enactment, amendment, and repealing of laws. So how could such power be given to the law making body? It springs forth from the fact that the congress is being elected at large and that by electing legislators we, who voted for them, give them the authority to represent us. This means that the legislators represent that of the sentiments of the country’s people with withholding responsibilities that it would reflect that of the public’s interest and that the common good must take over and have priority than that on a of an individual or group’s interest in the form of law making, deliberation, enactment, amendment, and

It holds the congress to be concerned if the mentioned officials act in compliance with the set objectives. This allows citizens the assurance that the promises of these elected officials shall be put to act. What for is a good project or activity if it is not need by its people? In addition, the power to impeach allows the congress to see to it that appropriation due and promised should be appropriation duly given and applied. Not doing so will only render signs of corruption or mishandling and mismanagement of government funds. Furthermore, it allows the congress to ensure a transparent and truthful government to its people. As a country’s people are the government’s own source of funds, it is the right of its people to know where the tax had been appropriated to and what had become of it. Also, to assure that the execution of projects and activities by either branch would always uphold the public interest. If it is for the sake of a particular group or individual, it is not for the public interest. If it is not for the public interest it is not for the common good. If it is not for the common good then it is not democracy. Lastly, the power to impeach given to the congress allows it to not waste time