MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte is asking the Supreme Court to stop the impeachment case filed against her in the House of Representatives.

Duterte filed a petition requesting the high court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to pause the impeachment hearings. She claims the process is unfair, violates the Constitution, and constitutes an abuse of power.

This follows the House Committee on Justice’s declaration that the complaints against her are “enough in grounds” to proceed to trial. Duterte’s legal team argues that the hearings skipped proper procedures, infringing on her right to due process. Her petition also points out alleged errors in the handling of the impeachment process, including double standards and procedural lapses.

This is not Duterte’s first time seeking Supreme Court intervention. In 2025, the Court dismissed earlier impeachment complaints against her due to technical defects.

Some lawmakers warned that Duterte’s petition could be a tactic to delay the process, emphasizing that the House Committee on Justice is fulfilling its constitutional role.

Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima criticized Duterte’s move, saying that the Vice President seems to treat the Supreme Court as her personal court, suggesting she runs to the high tribunal whenever facing accountability.

“Akala siguro nila yung SC ay ‘Sara’s Court’ na puwede nilang takbuhan para pagtakpan ang kaduwagan at pagtakas sa pananagutan,” de Lima said.

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