Senate impeachment court 'duty-bound' to respect SC ruling on VP Sara's case —spox

The Senate impeachment court on Friday acknowledged the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional, saying that it is “duty-bound” to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court. 

In a statement, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said the SC decision affirms the impeachment court’s stance that “constitutional issues surrounding the Articles required clarity before trial proceedings could commence.” 

“The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, has always acted in deference to the Constitution and the rule of law. As a co-equal branch of government, we are duty-bound to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court,” Tongol said. 

“The Court’s ruling validates the prudence and restraint exercised by the Senate majority in recognizing those legal uncertainties from the outset,” he added. 

Voting 13-0, the SC unanimously declared the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional, saying these are barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution. Moreover, magistrates ruled that the articles violate the right to due process.

The High Court also pointed out 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," SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said Friday. 

For the Senate impeachment court’s part, Tongol said that it is awaiting for the formal transmittal of the SC decision “and any related guidance that may affect the Impeachment Court’s jurisdiction moving forward.”

“The Senate remains committed to upholding constitutional order, ensuring due process, and protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he emphasized. 

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.

To recall, three impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte in December 2024, all of which were connected with the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

It was the fourth impeachment complaint that was endorsed by over one-third of lawmakers from the House of Representatives, and was later on transmitted to the Senate.

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.” — RSJ/KG, GMA Integrated News