VP Sara's impeachment unconstitutional – SC

The Supreme Court (SC) barred the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on the issue of due process that made it unconstitutional, a decision hailed by her legal team.

- REY G. PANALIGAN

In a press briefing, SC spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting said: “The SC has ruled that the House impeachment complaint versus VP Sara Duterte is barred by the one-year rule and that due process or fairness applies in all stages of the impeachment process.”

“The Court said it is not absolving Vice President Duterte from any of the charges against her, but any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting Feb. 6, 2026,” Ting added.

Under the Constitution, impeachment proceedings cannot be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.

Ting also said, quoting from the SC ruling: “Our fundamental law is clear, the end does not justify the means... there is a right way to do the right things at the right time." With the declaration that the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President are unconstitutional on due process grounds, "the Senate cannot acquire jurisdiction," she also said.

A copy of the SC ruling was not available as of posting time.