Philippine Supreme Court halts VP Duterte impeachment trial, next steps.
Supreme Court pauses Vice President Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial
The Philippines’ Supreme Court halted an impending Senate trial that could have permanently barred Vice President Sara Duterte from holding public office.
Legal setback: one‑year rule enforced
- The 13‑0 ruling declared the House’s February impeachment complaint against Duterte unlawful because it violated a constitutional provision that bars multiple impeachment proceedings within a 12‑month period.
- Deputy’s team argued that three prior House complaints—even though still under committee review—constituted impeachment actions that the Supreme Court now deemed blocked.
Voices from the defense team
In a statement, Duterte’s defense team welcomed the unanimous decision, emphasizing that the court’s decision “reaffirms the rule of law and reinforced the constitutional limits against abuse of the impeachment process.” The team also highlighted that a fresh impeachment attempt could be filed, but not before February 6, 2026.
Senate’s brief trial and broader political context
- Last month, the Senate convened a brief impeachment court session, only to send the case back to the House within hours, questioning its constitutionality.
- Senator Ronald dela Rosa, former national police chief and enforcer of Duterte’s father’s drug war, argued that previous House complaints constituted impeachment proceedings.
- After May’s mid‑term elections, Duterte’s loyal slate outperformed expectations, winning five of the 12 open seats—strengthening her chances for an acquittal.
- In 2022, Duterte won the presidency through an alliance with Marcos, a partnership that quickly started unraveling. The feud escalated into open warfare this year, culminating in her impeachment and the arrest and transfer of her father to face charges at the International Criminal Court at the Hague tied to his deadly drug war.
Implications ahead of 2028 presidential run
The Supreme Court’s ruling comes just days before the Senate begins its new session. A Senate trial conviction would have permanently barred Duterte from public office—an outcome she aims to avoid as she prepares for a presidential bid in 2028.
