Impeachment process vs VP Sara 'stress test' for PH democracy - lawyer

The impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte would be a “stress test” of whether Philippine democracy and its institutions can withstand political pressure, according to a human rights lawyer on Saturday.

Atty. Dino de Leon made the remark after the House Committee on Justice found probable cause to impeach Duterte, saying the issue is now beyond a single official or proceeding but instead “cuts to the core of institutional integrity and democratic accountability.”

“The impeachment of Sara Duterte is a stress test for Philippine democracy,” de Leon said.

“And let us be candid: last year, we failed that test miserably. When institutions were placed under pressure, we fell short. With due respect, the very people that were tasked by the Constitution to uphold accountability and the rule of law did not respond with enough courage and independence. Although there have been some improvements after the 2025 elections, it is not enough to ensure a stronger democracy for all of us,” the lawyer said.

De Leon said that the impeachment’s “re-take” this year presents an opportunity to see “whether our institutions can hold firm under pressure [and] whether accountability truly applies to everyone.”

The lawyer also cited the earlier dispute over the constitutional meaning of “forthwith.”

“Bagsak po tayo last year. Sa meaning lang ng forthwith, we miserably failed (We failed last year. In the simple meaning of forthwith, we miserably failed). I hope this time around we will pass it with flying colors,” de Leon said. 

In February last year, the lower chamber impeached Duterte with 215 votes, exceeding the required one-third threshold, or 102 votes, thus sending the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President to the Senate.

However, the Senate voted to send the impeachment case to the archives, following the decision of the Supreme Court to declare the articles of impeachment unconstitutional for violating the one-year bar rule and due process rights. —VBL, GMA News