Sara Duterte's lawyers: SC ruling upholds limits vs. abuse of impeachment process

The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to declare the articles of impeachment against her as unconstitutional, saying that it fortified the Constitutional limits “against abuse of the impeachment process.”

“The decision of the Honorable Court affirms what we had maintained from the outset—that the 4th impeachment complaint is constitutionally infirm,” Duterte’s defense team said in a statement sent by spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa to reporters. 

“This unanimous Decision has once again upheld the rule of law and reinforced the constitutional limits against abuse of the impeachment process,” it added.

The defense team, however, maintained that it remained prepared to address the allegations against Duterte “at the proper time and before the appropriate forum.”

The Supreme Court (SC) has unanimously declared the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional, as it is barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution, and for violating the right to due process.

SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said that the Senate cannot acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings.

“However, 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 February 6, 2026," Ting said.

The high court's ruling is in relation to the consolidated petition filed by Duterte, lawyer Israelito Torreon, and others seeking to declare the Articles of Impeachment against her as null and void.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Vice President was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

Duterte had entered a “not guilty” plea in the verified impeachment complaint filed against her, which she called merely a “scrap of paper.” 

In June, the Vice President’s lawyers stood firm that they are ready to face the charges should the impeachment trial proceed, but stressed that the process should not be used as a weapon to harass political opponents. —LDF, GMA Integrated News