The Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Sara Duterte to comment on the House of Representatives’ appeal seeking to overturn the Court’s earlier ruling that dismissed the impeachment case filed against her.
In a notice issued Monday, the high tribunal gave Duterte and her legal team 10 calendar days to respond to the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the House, which aims to revive the impeachment complaint declared void just weeks ago.
The Supreme Court, voting 13–0 with two abstentions, had ruled last July 25 that the impeachment complaint against Duterte was unconstitutional, citing violations of the “one-year bar rule” and due process. The decision noted that multiple impeachment complaints had been filed against Duterte earlier within the same year, which disqualified the latest one under Section 3(5), Article XI of the Constitution.
The complaint, endorsed by several lawmakers in February 2025, accused Duterte of betrayal of public trust, misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other public officials. It also cited alleged corruption and other high crimes.
However, the Court ruled that the impeachment process was invalid from the beginning, stressing that the House had “effectively initiated” three earlier complaints—even if they were not acted upon. These actions barred any new complaint within the same 12-month period. The justices further noted that the Senate did not acquire proper jurisdiction over the case, halting any potential trial.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the House of Representatives filed a motion last week, insisting that its exclusive power to initiate impeachment must be respected. Lawmakers argue that the Court overreached by interfering in what should be a political process confined to Congress.
Despite this pushback, the Supreme Court clarified that its ruling is immediately executory, meaning no impeachment trial can proceed unless the ruling is reversed. The decision also effectively bars any fresh impeachment case against Duterte until February 2026.
Duterte’s legal counsel, Atty. Michael Poa, confirmed that they will comply with the Court’s directive. “We will submit our response within the time provided,” he said in a brief statement.
While the Supreme Court’s ruling does not absolve Duterte of the allegations, it delivers a significant legal and political victory. Supporters claim it upholds constitutional safeguards against abuse of the impeachment process, while critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for accountability—especially since a majority of the justices were appointed during the administration of Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
With the legal and political battles far from over, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court as it decides whether to reconsider its landmark ruling.
