Key Facts
• July 25, 2025: Philippine Supreme Court ruled Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment unconstitutional.
• The court cited procedural flaws and violation of the “one impeachment per year” rule.
• Four impeachment cases were filed in Congress since December 2024.
• Allegations include misuse of public funds and hiring assassins targeting President Ferdinand Marcos.
• February 2025: Congress approved impeachment proceedings, but Duterte sought a court injunction.
• Supreme Court clarified that charges against Duterte are not dismissed.
• Impeachment proceedings may resume after February 6, 2026.
• Duterte, a leading 2028 presidential candidate, faces intensified rivalry with President Marcos.
• Removal through impeachment would bar Duterte from holding public office or running for president.
Summary
The Philippine Supreme Court ruled on July 25, 2025, that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte were unconstitutional due to procedural violations, including the constitutional limit of one impeachment per individual per year. The cases, initiated in December 2024, accused Duterte of public fund misuse and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos. While the court acknowledged procedural flaws, it did not dismiss the charges, leaving room for renewed proceedings after February 6, 2026. Duterte, a frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election, faces escalating tensions with Marcos, as her removal through impeachment would disqualify her from public office and the presidential race. The ruling underscores the intensifying political rivalry ahead of the next election cycle.
