Palace: Respect SC decision on VP Sara impeachment, trust our institutions

Malacanang on Friday called on Filipinos to respect the Supreme Court decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, even as it clarified that it has yet to read the high tribunal's ruling in full.

"We have yet to review the full text of the Supreme Court's decision. We call on everyone to respect the Supreme Court and place their trust in our institutions," said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro in a statement.

"The impeachment process is a matter handled by the legislative and judicial branches, and we recognize their independence in carrying out their constitutional mandates," she added. 

The SC has ruled unanimously in deeming that the Articles of Impeachment 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.

Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa inhibited while Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh is on leave. The decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

With this development, the high court cannot acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings.

The SC'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. 

Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting clarified that the high tribunal "is not absolving" Duterte from the charges against her, but added that "any subsequent impeachment complaint" may only be filed starting February 6, 2026.

This is a day after the one-year anniversary of House of Representatives impeachment of Duterte, including its endorsement of the fourth complaint that constituted the Articles of Impeachment.

The SC decision is immediately executory. However, Ting said the House of Representatives may still file a motion for reconsideration. — VDV, GMA Integrated News