Philippines Supreme Court Halts Impeachment Proceedings Against Vice President Duterte

In a pivotal ruling, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has barred impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, significantly easing the political pressure she faced following allegations of misusing public funds and making threats against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. The lower house of parliament had voted for impeachment in February, but the court's decision, announced on Friday, cited a constitutional prohibition against multiple impeachment actions in a single year. Despite the ruling not clearing Duterte of the allegations, it effectively grants her a stay from potential ouster through February 2026, providing her valuable time to consolidate political support and potentially prepare for a presidential bid in the run-up to the 2028 elections.

Prior to the ruling, uncertainty loomed over the chances of successful impeachment, influenced by the shifting political dynamics that emerged after the May elections. The rivalry between Duterte and Marcos has been a significant aspect of the political landscape, with Duterte securing unexpected Senate seats, signaling some degree of public support. The Supreme Court, composed mainly of Duterte's father's appointees, emphasized that impeachment processes in the Philippines remain contentious. Historically, only one impeachment trial has reached a conviction since the country's return to democracy in 1986, underlining the complex and often fractious nature of Philippine politics.