Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday announced its decision to allow Congress and the judiciary to exercise their independence in managing their constitutional responsibilities, particularly concerning the impeachment process. This statement followed the Supreme Court's (SC) unanimous decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional.
According to Philippines News Agency, the high court's ruling indicated that the Senate could not assume jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings, citing the complaint as being barred by the one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution and violating the right to due process. Despite this, the Court clarified that Vice President Duterte is not absolved of the charges, noting that any subsequent impeachment complaint can only be filed starting February 6, 2026.
The impeachment case originated from four complaints against Duterte. The initial three complaints were submitted to the House of Representatives by private individuals and various groups on December 2, 4, and 19, 2024. The fourth complaint, initiated by a resolution supported by over one-third of the House members of the 19th Congress, was filed on February 5, 2025, and transmitted as Articles of Impeachment to the Senate the same day. This was followed by two petitions challenging its constitutionality filed before the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court emphasized its role in interpreting the constitutional process without deciding on the removal or disqualification of impeachable officers. In its decision, the Court distinguished between the first three complaints filed under Article XI, Section 3(2) of the Constitution, which allows citizen-initiated complaints with a House endorsement, and the fourth complaint filed under Article XI, Section 3(4), which requires at least one-third of House members' support.
The Court noted the 19th Congress's failure to act on the initial three complaints, which were considered 'terminated or dismissed' following the House's adjournment. Of the 15 justices, Associate Justices Benjamin Caguioa and Filomena Singh did not participate in the proceedings, with Caguioa citing a conflict of interest and Singh being on official leave.
