Reddendo Singula Singulis

Referring each to each; referring each phrase or expression to its appropriate object; or let each be put in
its proper place

Gutierrez vs. The House of The Representatives Committee On Justice

G.R. No.
193459
February 15,
2011 Perez, J.

FACTS:
Baraquel, et al. filed an impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez on July
22, 2010, based on the grounds of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. On August
3, 2010 a second complaint was filed by Reyes, et al. On September 1, 2010 the committee on Justice found the
First and Second complaints sufficient in form. And on the 13 th of September petitioner filed a petition for
certiorari. Under Section 3(5), Article XI of the constitution, I states that “no impeachment proceedings shall be
initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.” Petitioner further contends that
start of the one year ban is from the filing of the first impeachment complaint against her on July 22, 2010 or
four days before the opening on July 26, 2010 of the 15 th Congress. She posits that within one year from July 22,
2010, no second impeachment complaint may be accepted and referred to public respondent.

ISSUE:
When does the start of one year ban of subsequent filing of impeachment case starts?

RULING:
Section 3(5), Article XI of The Constitution refers to two objects, £impeachment case” and
“impeachment
proceeding.” As explained by Father Bernas, following the principle of reddendo singula singulis, the term
“cases” must be distinguished from the term “proceedings.” An impeachment case is the legal controversy that
must be decided by the senate. No other body can do it. However, before a decision is made to initiate a case in
the senate, a “proceeding” must be followed to arrive at a conclusion. And under the Francisco doctrine, the
term “initiate” means to file the complaint and referral of the complaints to the Committee on Justice.
Therefore, the one-year period ban is reckoned not from the filing of the first complaint, but on the date it is
referred to the House Committee on Justice.