In a significant legal development that could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections, the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday ordered a halt to the impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte, a Filipino lawyer and politician who is the 15th and current vice president of the Philippines — but left the door open for the case to resume next year.
In a special en banc session originally convened for the Shariah Bar, the SC announced its decision to block the ongoing impeachment complaint on due process grounds.
However, SC spokesperson Camille Ting clarified that the ruling does not prevent the refiling of the complaint, which may resume as early as February 2026.
The court’s move comes amid a legal and political tug-of-war between Duterte’s camp and members of Congress who argue that the allegations against her merit a full trial before the Senate.
A nation divided over Vice President Sara Duterte’s fate
Vice President Duterte, who, in February 2025 concurrently still served as Education Secretary, was impeached by the House of Representatives over a range of serious allegations. These include the alleged misuse of public funds and an explosive accusation that she plotted to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated — based on cryptic remarks during a November press conference referencing the hiring of an assassin.
Duterte has denied all charges, calling the impeachment complaint “unconstitutional” and “nothing more than a scrap of paper.” Her supporters contend the proceedings are politically motivated, pointing to her falling out with President Marcos Jr., who is limited to a single term and expected to back a successor in the 2028 polls — possibly someone other than Duterte.
However, her critics argue the case is less about politics and more about accountability.
“No one is above the law”
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco (left) receives a second impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines. (IMAGE CREDIT: Aaron Favila/AP)
Prosecutors from the House maintain that a Senate trial is necessary given the gravity of the charges.
In a formal response submitted to the Senate impeachment court, they stated: “The severity of the charges leaves no room for technical evasion. A trial is not only warranted but necessary… to affirm that no individual, regardless of rank or influence, stands above the law.”
They criticized Sara Duterte’s legal strategy, describing it as an attempt to avoid scrutiny rather than confront the evidence. “It is obvious… that the only legal strategy of the defense is to have the case dismissed and avoid trial,” their statement read.
Akbayan party-list Representative Perci Cendaña also filed a motion to intervene at the SC to counter Duterte’s bid to dismiss the complaint. He argued that the Vice President’s petition is “legally unsound,” citing constitutional precedent that allows only one valid impeachment complaint per year, and that the verified complaint submitted by more than one-third of House members complies with this rule.
“The House’s actions on the impeachment complaints are all in accordance with the Constitution,” Cendaña said.
Senate or Supreme Court? Venue under scrutiny
A key issue is whether the SC should intervene at all.
Cendaña and other lawmakers argue that the Senate impeachment court is the appropriate venue for determining the merits of the complaint. “If the High Court is hearing out the Vice President (Sara Duterte), the more it should listen to the call of the people,” Cendaña said in Filipino.
Critics of the SC’s involvement warn it could undermine established democratic processes. “Will the Supreme Court uphold the Constitution and its doctrines? Or will it shield officials accused of abusing power?” Cendaña added.
Duterte’s legal team, however, maintains that the petition before the SC addresses constitutional violations and procedural irregularities — grounds that merit judicial review. As of this writing, the Office of the Vice President and her legal counsel have yet to issue a formal response to the latest developments.
Political reverberations ahead of 2028
Political analysts suggest the impeachment effort reflects broader maneuvering ahead of the 2028 presidential race. The daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte remains a formidable contender — if she survives the current crisis.
With Marcos unable to seek reelection, control of the administration’s future direction is a high-stakes matter for both allies and rivals.
The SC has instructed the House to submit documentation on the three earlier complaints filed against Duterte, including the dates of their endorsement and the actions taken by the House Secretary General.
For now, the impeachment trial of Sara Duterte is paused — but not buried. Whether it will resume in the Senate or remain mired in legal proceedings will shape not only Duterte’s political future, but also the broader question of accountability in Philippine governance.
