VICE President Sara Duterte has filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the validity and constitutionality of the fourth impeachment complaint against her.
The petition, filed on February 18th, seeks a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction against the House of Representatives, Senate, and House Secretary General. The petition, according to the Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar law firm representing Duterte, argues the impeachment process violates due process and raises serious legal and constitutional concerns.
While the SC spokesperson stated Duterte’s petition wasn’t on the Tuesday en banc agenda, the filing follows three previous impeachment complaints filed in December 2024 alleging misuse of confidential funds. This fourth complaint, however, gained enough support in the House of Representatives to be transmitted to the Senate. Despite this, the Senate adjourned without addressing the case, with Senate President Escudero suggesting the trial will likely commence after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 21st.
Adding to the legal complexities, lawyers from Mindanao separately petitioned the SC to halt the impeachment proceedings, citing a defective complaint and requesting the Articles of Impeachment be declared null and void. A separate mandamus petition also urged the SC to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court.
Despite the impeachment proceedings, Duterte has stated she isn’t considering resignation. While acknowledging she’s not obligated to appear before the impeachment court until it convenes, she has welcomed the opportunity to address the allegations against her.
The seven Articles of Impeachment against Duterte include serious accusations: conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez; malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds; bribery and corruption in the Department of Education; unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets; involvement in extrajudicial killings; destabilization efforts including boycotting the SONA and issuing threats; and the totality of her conduct as Vice President. The legal battle surrounding these accusations is far from over.
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