Did the Philippines' Supreme Court Block Impeachment Complaints Against VP Duterte?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court ruled the impeachment complaints unconstitutional.
- Due process and fairness are essential in legal proceedings.
- New complaints can only be filed after February 6 next year.
- The court reaffirmed the importance of adhering to constitutional regulations.
- Political implications for Sara Duterte's future remain significant.
Manila, July 25 (NationPress) The Supreme Court of the Philippines made a unanimous ruling on Friday, declaring that the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte were unconstitutional and fell under the one-year prohibition outlined in the 1987 Constitution. The court emphasized that all stages of the impeachment process must adhere to principles of due process and fairness.
The ruling referenced Article 11, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution, which prohibits the filing of multiple impeachment complaints against the same official within a one-year timeframe, as reported by the prominent daily, The Manila Times. The court highlighted the crucial nature of fairness in legal proceedings, stating, "The end does not justify the means," and emphasized, "There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time."
Furthermore, the court articulated that the Senate lacked jurisdiction over the pending impeachment complaints against Duterte. However, this ruling does not exonerate Sara Duterte from the allegations presented in the complaints filed last year. The court noted that any new impeachment complaint against her could only be submitted after February 6 of the following year, according to the report.
The situation arose after four impeachment complaints were lodged against Sara Duterte. The first three complaints were filed by private individuals and groups to the House of Representatives on December 2, 4, and 17 of the previous year. The fourth complaint was initiated through a resolution passed by over one-third of the members of the 19th Congress on February 5, 2025.
Recently, Sara Duterte reassured her supporters that “they will get there” if she opts to run for the presidency in 2028.
When addressing a supporter in The Hague, Netherlands, who inquired about the assurances she could provide, she responded, "I would like to thank you for your support, your trust, and confidence in me. And in time, we will get there,” Duterte assured her supporter.
Duterte has consistently mentioned that she is contemplating running in the 2028 elections and plans to make her decision by the last quarter of 2026. She also suggested that the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her impeachment trial are interconnected efforts aimed at hindering her from contesting the elections in 2028.