The Philippine Supreme Court has blocked the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing a constitutional prohibition on multiple impeachment trials within a year. This decision, while not absolving her of the allegations, effectively shields her from ouster until at least February 2026, allowing her to bolster support for a potential 2028 presidential run.
Philippine Supreme Court Halts Impeachment Proceedings Against Vice President Duterte

Philippine Supreme Court Halts Impeachment Proceedings Against Vice President Duterte
The Supreme Court's ruling grants Sara Duterte respite, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
The Philippine Supreme Court has made a significant ruling by blocking the impeachment trial aimed at Vice President Sara Duterte, a decision seen as a substantial victory for her administration. The lower house of the Philippine parliament had previously voted to initiate impeachment proceedings against Duterte in February, citing allegations of misusing public funds and threatening President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
However, on Friday, a spokesperson for the court announced that the impeachment vote contravened the constitutional prohibition against holding multiple impeachment proceedings within a single year. This ruling, while not providing full exoneration from the charges, grants Duterte a crucial reprieve from potential ouster, at least until February 2026, changing the political dynamics as the country approaches the 2028 general elections.
In light of the ruling, Duterte is now in a position to consolidate her political support, particularly as the upcoming electoral cycle draws near. Prior to the court's decision, it was already uncertain whether the Senate would proceed with the impeachment trial due to the fluid nature of political alliances following the May elections. Sara Duterte's performance in the elections, which saw her gaining more Senate seats than anticipated, indicated a possible rebuff of President Marcos, highlighting their ongoing political rivalry.
The Philippine political landscape is notoriously turbulent, and impeachment attempts can be deeply divisive. Since the re-establishment of democracy in 1986, there has been only one successful impeachment; former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona was convicted in 2012 for concealing assets. In contrast, former President Joseph Estrada's impeachment in 2001 was abruptly halted following public protests, leading to his removal from office.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how these political maneuvers shape the future of the Philippines, particularly as Duterte positions herself for a potential presidential campaign.