The long-running impeachment dispute involving Vice President Sara Duterte has been formally closed after the House of Representatives said it would no longer pursue the case, following a final ruling from the Supreme Court that invalidated the proceedings. House leaders said the chamber would comply with the decision and move forward within the bounds set by the Constitution.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez said the House respects the ruling and recognizes its finality, stressing that impeachment is a process defined by strict constitutional limits. Both officials said the chamber accepts the dismissal with finality of its motion for reconsideration and will abide by the Court’s interpretation of the one-year bar rule.
The impeachment against Duterte was initiated on February 5 after 215 lawmakers endorsed a fourth complaint. The articles were transmitted to the Senate on the same day, but the trial did not proceed after the chamber adjourned for the election break. The Senate later returned the articles to the House, citing constitutional infirmities in the process.
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that the impeachment violated the Constitution’s one-year bar rule, which restricts how often a sitting official may face impeachment complaints. The House challenged the ruling, but the Court dismissed the appeal with finality, effectively ending the case.
Several lawmakers involved in the impeachment effort said they would accept the ruling despite expressing frustration over the outcome. Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said they would defer to the Court’s decision, even as they acknowledged the setback to efforts to pursue accountability.
The impeachment complaints cited alleged misuse of confidential funds, threats against ranking officials, and other alleged violations of the 1987 Constitution. In its final ruling, the Supreme Court also issued guidelines aimed at reinforcing fairness and due process in impeachment proceedings.
With the ruling now final, House leaders said the chamber remains bound by constitutional order, institutional restraint, and the rule of law.
