Case Digest (G.R. No. 146710-15) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In Joseph E. Estrada v. Aniano Desierto et al. (G.R. Nos. 146710–15) and Joseph E. Estrada v. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (G.R. No. 146738), decided on March 2, 2001, petitioner Joseph Ejercito Estrada, President of the Philippines since June 30, 1998, was accused through a series of public exposés of receiving illegal gaming money, and a privilege speech by Senator Guingona led to House and Senate investigations. In November 2000, 115 members of the House filed Articles of Impeachment for betrayal of public trust and graft, triggering a Senate trial on December 7, 2000. The trial ground to a halt on January 16, 2001, when the tribunal refused to open a key “second envelope,” prompting prosecutors’ walk‐out and widespread street demonstrations at EDSA Shrine. By January 19, military and police withdrew support, numerous Cabinet members resigned, and petitioner faced insurmountable pressure. On January 20, 2001, Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took the oath as President before Case Digest (G.R. No. 146710-15) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Election and Early Term
- Joseph Ejercito Estrada elected President; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo elected Vice-President (May 11, 1998).
- Term began June 30, 1998; initial popularity eroded by 2000.
- Allegations and Impeachment Proceedings
- October 4–5, 2000: Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson accuses Estrada of receiving jueteng money and cigarette tax proceeds; Senate Blue Ribbon and Justice Committees investigate.
- November 13, 2000: House transmits Articles of Impeachment (bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution) to the Senate; trial opens December 7, 2000.
- Trial Breakdown and People Power II
- January 16, 2001: Senate (11–10) refuses to open second envelope containing alleged evidence → prosecutors walk out; trial adjourned indefinitely.
- January 16–20, 2001: Mass protests at EDSA; AFP and PNP withdraw support; key cabinet members resign.
- Transfer of Power and Aftermath
- January 20, 2001: Estrada leaves Malacañang for “peace and healing”; Arroyo sworn in at EDSA Shrine at noon following SC resolution.
- Post-transition: Congress and foreign governments recognize Arroyo’s presidency; multiple Ombudsman complaints filed against Estrada.
Issues:
- Justiciability
- Do the petitions raise a political question beyond judicial review?
- Can the Court interpret contested constitutional provisions on succession and immunity?
- Succession and Resignation
- Did Estrada resign or suffer a permanent disability under Art. VII, Sec. 8?
- Were Arroyo’s oath and assumption of office valid under the Constitution?
- Presidential Immunity
- Is impeachment conviction a prerequisite to criminal prosecution?
- Does a non-sitting President enjoy post-tenure immunity for official acts?
- Prejudicial Publicity
- Should Ombudsman investigations be enjoined for alleged bias from adverse publicity?
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)