The Philippine Supreme Court's recent decision halts an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, granting her breathing room and potential political leverage in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
Philippines Supreme Court Halts Impeachment Against Vice President Sara Duterte
Philippines Supreme Court Halts Impeachment Against Vice President Sara Duterte
Court ruling shields Duterte amid accusations of malfeasance and political turbulence.
The Philippine Supreme Court has intervened to stop an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, providing her temporary relief from allegations of improper public fund management and threats against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This decision comes after the lower house of parliament voted in February to initiate impeachment proceedings against her.
On Friday, a spokesman for the court announced that the impeachment vote was unconstitutional due to a ban on multiple impeachment cases per year. While this ruling doesn’t dismiss the accusations against Duterte, it postpones any attempts to oust her until February 2026, giving her additional time to fortify political alliances and possibly prepare for a presidential campaign ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Political analysts had already raised questions about the feasibility of successfully convicting Duterte in the Senate due to shifting political dynamics since the May general elections. The rivalry between Duterte and Marcos influenced the election outcome, resulting in Duterte gaining unexpected Senate seats, which was seen as a challenge to the current administration.
The Supreme Court, comprised largely of judges appointed by Duterte's father, adds another layer to the political intrigue surrounding this case. Impeachment proceedings in the Philippines have historically been contentious and often result in public unrest; the only successful impeachment occurred in 2012 when former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona was removed from office. The impeachment efforts against former President Joseph Estrada in 2001 ended abruptly due to massive protests opposing the trial.
Thus, while Duterte remains under scrutiny, the Supreme Court's ruling may reshape the current political landscape and her future ambitions.
On Friday, a spokesman for the court announced that the impeachment vote was unconstitutional due to a ban on multiple impeachment cases per year. While this ruling doesn’t dismiss the accusations against Duterte, it postpones any attempts to oust her until February 2026, giving her additional time to fortify political alliances and possibly prepare for a presidential campaign ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Political analysts had already raised questions about the feasibility of successfully convicting Duterte in the Senate due to shifting political dynamics since the May general elections. The rivalry between Duterte and Marcos influenced the election outcome, resulting in Duterte gaining unexpected Senate seats, which was seen as a challenge to the current administration.
The Supreme Court, comprised largely of judges appointed by Duterte's father, adds another layer to the political intrigue surrounding this case. Impeachment proceedings in the Philippines have historically been contentious and often result in public unrest; the only successful impeachment occurred in 2012 when former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona was removed from office. The impeachment efforts against former President Joseph Estrada in 2001 ended abruptly due to massive protests opposing the trial.
Thus, while Duterte remains under scrutiny, the Supreme Court's ruling may reshape the current political landscape and her future ambitions.
