The highest court in the Philippines dismissed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, ruling that the charges were unconstitutional. This decision marked a significant legal victory for Duterte.
Earlier this year, the lower house of Congress initiated impeachment proceedings against her, accusing her of misappropriating public funds, accumulating unexplained wealth, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the House Speaker.
Although the court did not clear Duterte of the accusations, the ruling could strengthen her political future. She is considered a leading candidate for the 2028 presidential election, as Marcos is ineligible to run again due to term limits. Had she been convicted in an impeachment trial, she would have been barred from holding public office permanently.
Duterte has maintained that the impeachment attempt was driven by political motives amid ongoing tensions with Marcos.
Her legal team stated that the court’s unanimous decision reinforced the rule of law and prevented abuse of the impeachment process.
Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who currently faces charges at the International Criminal Court related to his controversial war on drugs, which he denies.
The court agreed with Duterte’s argument that the impeachment complaint violated a constitutional rule preventing more than one impeachment case against the same official within a year. Over 200 members of the lower house had supported the fourth impeachment complaint, despite no action being taken on three previous complaints.
Because of this, the Senate lacked the authority to form an impeachment tribunal, the court explained.
President Marcos has distanced himself from the case against his vice president, emphasising that the executive branch cannot interfere in the impeachment process. His office affirmed the importance of respecting the court’s ruling.
A Senate spokesperson also said the chamber is obliged to honour the decision.
While the House prosecution panel did not immediately respond, a spokesperson for the lower house expressed that, although they respect the ruling, their commitment to truth and accountability remains firm.
The Supreme Court noted that a new impeachment complaint could be filed against Duterte once the one-year prohibition period ends.
Duterte’s lawyers said they are ready to address the allegations at the appropriate time and venue.
