The impeachment court convened last Monday, July 6, in full judicial costume. Maroon robes, legal jargon, and courtroom ritual filled the hall. It looked like the Supreme Court. And that is wrong.
Judicial power belongs to regular courts under Article VIII. Courts settle rights through strict rules of evidence. They demand technical pleadings, formal objections, and rigid procedure. Criminal guilt requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Distinguished from quasi judicial, administrative bodies
Quasi-judicial bodies are administrative agencies acting like courts. Think of the Ombudsman, the Comelec, or labor tribunals. They resolve disputes but relax the technical rules.
Substantial evidence is enough to support their official rulings. Due process there only means notice and fair hearing.
