Senate Impeachment Court can bar Duterte from office even if she resigns

The Senate Impeachment Court retains the authority to bar Vice President Sara Duterte from holding public office even if she resigns before or during her trial.

Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, a member of the House prosecution team, reiterated that resignation would not prevent the court from imposing 'perpetual disqualification' as part of the penalty.

The impeachment charges against Duterte include allegations of plotting to assassinate President Marcos, large-scale corruption involving confidential funds, and other violations of public trust.

On February 5, the House confirmed that 215 lawmakers signed a fourth impeachment complaint against Duterte.

Senate President Francis Escudero said on February 6 that legally an impeachment court cannot be convened until after the midterm elections in June due to procedural requirements.