VP Sara impeachment raps in 2026? Diokno, UP prof say it’s possible

A refiling of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is possible in 2026 if the Supreme Court (SC) maintains its decision declaring her current impeachment charges unconstitutional, House prosecutor and Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno said Thursday.

“Kung talagang sarado na ‘yung lahat ng kalsada para ituloy ang impeachment pansamantala ngayon, yung pinaka-last resort siyempre ay mag-file ulit pagdating ng February 2026,” Diokno told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

(If all avenues are really closed to continue the impeachment for now, the last resort, of course, is to file again by February 2026.)

With 19 votes for, four against, and one abstention, the Senate on Monday voted to transfer to the archives the articles of impeachment against Duterte with some senators citing the SC decision.

Voting 13-0, the SC ruled that the articles of impeachment are barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution. It also ruled that the articles violate the right to due process.

However, motions for reconsideration were filed in connection with the ruling of the high court.

For his part, UP College of Law Assistant Professor Paolo Tamase also sees another filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte next year if the SC maintains its decision despite the motions.

“Kung babaliktarin ng Korte Suprema ang desisyon niya, maaari may maghahain ng tama ng motion sa Senado upang buhayan ulit ang kaso ng impeachment,” Tamase said.

(If the Supreme Court reverses its decision, someone might file a motion in the Senate to revive the impeachment case.)

“Kung hindi po babaliktarin ng Korte Suprema yung desisyon nila sa Duterte v. House, mukhang refiling po ang susunod na mangyayari sa House of Representatives,” he added.

(If the Supreme Court does not reverse their decision in Duterte v. House, it looks like the next thing to happen in the House of Representatives is a refiling.)

Duterte's camp earlier said that it remains ready should there be a new impeachment complaint filed against her in 2026.

"Kung dumating man ang pagkakataon na there will be another impeachment, sabi nga nila, subject to the one-year bar, we will be ready to face those allegations,” said Atty. Michael Poa in a previous interview. 

(If there will be another impeachment, as they say, subject to the one-year bar, we will be ready to face those allegations.) 

The vice president was impeached by the House on February 5, with more than 200 congressmen endorsing the verified complaint against her.

Duterte was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

She has denied the allegations. –Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News