Sara Duterte after SC ruling: We'll stand vs greedy leaders who'll bring PH down

Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized Wednesday that the Philippines “deserves better” leaders, following the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) declaring the Articles of Impeachment against her as unconstitutional. 

“Our country deserves better, and we shall stand tall, strong, and resilient against leaders whose greed will bring down our homeland. We deserve better,” the Vice President said in a statement. 

This came after the high court, voting 13-0, declared the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional, saying that it was barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution. The SC also found that the articles violated her right to due process.

Duterte thus thanked members of her defense team for taking on her case “even when no one else was willing to stand by [her].”

She also extended gratitude to the petitioners “for having the conviction to challenge the abuses of the House of Representatives.”

“To those whose voices rang out in dissent against persecution — thank you. Your courage to speak the truth has been a source of strength. And to the parents, children, and silent supporters who offered their prayers for justice — thank you. Your quiet faith lifts me up,” Duterte added.

The SC decision is immediately executory but a motion for reconsideration may be filed.

The SC had also emphasized that it is not absolving Duterte from any of the charges against her, but any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026. 

The Senate is set to discuss the SC decision on August 6, 2025, according to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday. 

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s decision to void the impeachment of Duterte, arguing that the ruling was based on what it described as incorrect findings that contradict official records. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News