MANILA, Philippines — In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has declared the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, citing violations of both the
one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution and her right to due process.

The ruling effectively bars the Senate from acquiring jurisdiction over the case and halts the impeachment proceedings initiated by the House of Representatives in February 2025. Court spokesperson Camille Ting clarified that while the decision invalidates the current complaint, it does not absolve the Vice President of the charges. A new impeachment complaint may be filed after February 6, 2026.

Quoting from the decision, Ting stated:
“Our fundamental law is clear — the end does not justify the means. There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time. This is what the rule of just law means. This is what the fairness or due process of law means, even for impeachment.”

The Court emphasized that it was not ruling on the merits of the allegations, but solely on the procedural and constitutional validity of the complaint.

Opposition Reacts: “A Temporary Setback”

The Liberal Party issued a statement calling the ruling a “temporary setback,” warning that it leaves unresolved questions about accountability and transparency.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to junk the impeachment petitions against Vice President Sara Duterte on a technicality leaves many legal and moral questions unanswered,” the statement read. “We recognize the authority of the Court, but this dismissal raises important issues about accountability in our democratic institutions.”

The party urged its supporters to remain vigilant ahead of the 2028 elections, emphasizing that justice often requires persistence.

“To our fellow Filipinos who continue to demand truth, transparency, and principled leadership: do not be disheartened. Justice is not always swift, but it has a way of prevailing when people persist. We have weathered storms before. We have stood our ground against tyranny and impunity. And we have emerged stronger each time.” The statement stressed.

De Lima: Procedural Irregularities

Mamamayang Liberal Representative and former Senator Leila De Lima criticized the Court’s handling of the case, arguing that the House of Representatives was denied the opportunity to file a formal comment as required under Rule 65, Section 6 of the Rules of Court.

“Instead of directing the House to file a comment, the Court issued a written interrogatory—a rare, if not irregular, move,” De Lima said. “Somehow, the Supreme Court treated the House’s compliance with this interrogatory as if it were a formal responsive pleading. But let’s be clear: it was not.”

Diokno and Espiritu: Calls for Accountability and Mass Action

Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno expressed disappointment over the ruling:

“Sa desisyong ito, talo ang taumbayan. Talo ang pananagutan. Impeachment is about accountability. The process followed the Constitution: the complaint was verified, endorsed by more than one-third of the House, at iisa lang ang kasong kinakaharap ni Vice President Sara Duterte. There was no violation of due process—only a demand to present the truth to the Filipino people.”

Diokno affirmed Akbayan’s commitment to working with civil society to pursue truth and justice.

Labor leader and activist lawyer Luke Espiritu offered a more scathing critique:

“Napatunayan ng Korte Suprema na walang kakayahan ang ating gobyerno na litisin ang mga plunderer o mass murderer ng ating lipunan. Dinadaan na lang sa simpleng teknikalidad ang pagsalba sa mga kriminal na namumuno sa atin. Kumilos na tayo mga kasama. Kailangan na ng direktang aksyon ng masa.”

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