July 27, 2025 | Manila
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Senate no longer holds jurisdiction to pursue an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, following its earlier declaration that the impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives was unconstitutional.
Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed that with the impeachment complaint already nullified, the Senate cannot convene as an impeachment court nor proceed with any related hearings.
“There is no more basis for the Senate to continue with any impeachment proceedings, as the articles of impeachment have been voided and ruled unconstitutional,” Ting stated in a press briefing.
This latest development has stirred mixed reactions among the public and various sectors.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, fisherman Roberto “Ka Dodo” Ballon expressed disappointment, saying he still hopes the Senate would be allowed to hold a trial. He believes that the truth must come out and that transparency in such high-profile processes is important for public trust.
Meanwhile, Lee Ryezen, a social studies teacher, said the Supreme Court’s ruling should be carefully studied. He added that he prefers to wait and see how events will unfold in the coming days before making any conclusions.
On the other hand, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, spokesperson for the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), welcomed the Court’s decision. He reiterated that their party had long maintained that the impeachment articles were unconstitutional from the beginning.
“We have always stood by our belief that the impeachment complaint lacked constitutional basis. We are pleased with the Court’s affirmation,” said Topacio.
With the high court’s ruling, any attempts to resume or initiate a Senate-led impeachment trial against the Vice President are now legally barred, marking a significant turn in the political landscape.
