SC declares VP Duterte's impeachment unconstitutional

The Supreme Court (SC) has declared Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment unconstitutional, affirming the Senate impeachment court's cautious approach to the matter.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol stated that the SC decision supports their belief in the need for constitutional clarity before proceeding with trial due to a one-year ban on filing complaints against officials being violated.

The Senate Impeachment Court is set to vote whether to proceed with deliberations after receiving the Supreme Court's ruling, with Tongol emphasizing the court's duty to respect the High Court's finality.

Vice President Duterte faces accusations including culpable violation of the Constitution and misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds; she was impeached by the House of Representatives in February.

The SC's unanimous decision, with 13-0 votes, is immediately executory, preventing the Senate from acquiring jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings until February 6, 2026.