Supreme Court dismisses impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte. ARCHIVE

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte secured a significant political victory after the country’s Supreme Court unanimously struck down an impeachment complaint against her, calling it a violation of the Constitution. The impeachment, endorsed by more than 200 lawmakers, accused Duterte of misusing public funds and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the House Speaker. While the Court stressed that it was not ruling on the veracity of the charges, it ruled that the fourth complaint violated the “one-year rule” in the Philippine Constitution that bars multiple impeachment complaints against the same official within a 12-month period. “This unanimous decision has once again upheld the rule of law and reinforced the constitutional limits against abuse of the impeachment process,” Duterte's lawyers said in a statement. Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting elaborated during a press briefing: “The articles of impeachment violated the one-year period ban because there were three complaints that came ahead of it.” The Senate, which was set to act as an impeachment tribunal, now has no legal authority to proceed. Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, is seen as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential elections. The impeachment—if it had led to conviction—would have barred her from holding public office. President Marcos has kept a distance from the proceedings, stating the executive branch cannot interfere. The House, while respecting the ruling, said its "duty to uphold truth and accountability does not end here." The Supreme Court said new complaints may be filed once the constitutional time bar expires. CAM/Expat Media