Philippine Supreme Court Blocks Impeachment Case Against Duterte

The Philippine Supreme Court ruled on March 15, 2024, that an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte is unconstitutional due to a procedural violation. This decision effectively halts a planned trial that was set to address serious allegations against her, including a threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated.

The court’s ruling came after the House of Representatives, which impeached Duterte in February, failed to comply with a constitutional requirement stating that only one impeachment case can be processed against an impeachable official in a single year. According to court spokesperson Camille Ting, the House had received at least four impeachment complaints against Duterte from December to February, but only one was forwarded to the Senate for trial.

The Supreme Court emphasized that its role is to uphold the law rather than favor any political outcome, stating, “Ours is to ensure that politics are framed within the rule of just law.” The decision was described as “immediately executory,” though the full details were not publicly disclosed at the time of the announcement.

Duterte, 47, made history as the first vice president in the Philippines to be impeached by the House. The impeachment stemmed from several high-profile allegations, notably her remarks during a November 2023 online news conference where she threatened to have Marcos and others killed if she were to be harmed. The comments ignited widespread condemnation and calls for her impeachment from various political factions.

Among the accusations against Duterte are claims of large-scale corruption, sedition, and terrorism, as well as failing to adequately address China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Her tenure has been marked by controversy, especially regarding her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

The impeachment trial was expected to begin in the coming weeks in the Senate, which would serve as the impeachment court. If the Supreme Court’s ruling is finalized, Duterte’s political adversaries could potentially file another impeachment case against her after one year.

The political relationship between Duterte and Marcos has been tumultuous. Despite their alliance during the 2022 elections, where both candidates campaigned on themes of unity amidst a backdrop of national division, tensions resurfaced after their inauguration. Duterte publicly criticized Marcos and his administration, alleging corruption and weak leadership, which further strained their relationship.

The circumstances surrounding the impeachment have sparked significant public interest and concern. Protests demanding Duterte’s trial have emerged, underscoring the political divisions within the country. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that the Senate’s decision to return the complaints to the House did not imply the dismissal of the impeachment and indicated that further proceedings would occur.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the potential for future impeachment efforts will remain closely monitored in the Philippines.