Philippine Supreme Court Declares Sara Duterte's Impeachment Unconstitutional

In a landmark ruling delivered on July 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of the Philippines declared the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, providing her with a significant legal victory amid political turbulence. The court's decision came in response to a complaint filed by the lower house of Congress, which accused Duterte of misusing public funds, accumulating unexplained wealth, and threatening high-ranking officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Lady. A guilty verdict could have barred her from future elections, notably the 2028 presidential race, which is particularly critical as President Marcos is ineligible for re-election due to term limits.

This ruling underscores the complexities surrounding the impeachment process in the Philippines, particularly the constitutional safeguards that prevent multiple impeachment actions against the same official within a single year. According to Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting, the court found that Congress had violated this safeguard by endorsing four impeachment complaints against Duterte without addressing the first three, thereby invalidating the Senate's authority to convene an impeachment tribunal.

The unanimous decision has profound implications for Duterte's political aspirations, especially since it allows her to continue her campaign for the presidency unimpeded. Her legal team has asserted that the ruling not only upholds the rule of law but also emphasizes the need for constitutional integrity against politically motivated actions. "We remain prepared to address the allegations at the proper time and before the appropriate forum," they stated in a press release following the court's decision.

Political analysts predict that this ruling may reinforce Duterte's position as a formidable candidate in upcoming elections, particularly as her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, continues to face legal challenges related to his controversial policies during his presidency.

Marcos's administration has distanced itself from the impeachment proceedings, with his office asserting that the executive branch cannot interfere in judicial matters. However, the ruling does not absolve Duterte from the allegations made against her, and it leaves the door open for future complaints once the constitutional ban on multiple impeachments expires.

The political landscape in the Philippines remains fraught with tension, as powerful political dynasties vie for influence and control. The Supreme Court's ruling not only highlights the legal intricacies of the impeachment process but also signals a potential shift in the power dynamics within the Philippine government. As the nation approaches the next election cycle, the ramifications of this decision will likely resonate throughout the political arena, impacting party strategies and voter sentiment in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential elections.