MALACANANG issued a statement on Friday calling for respect for the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, despite not yet having fully reviewed the court’s ruling.
Press Secretary Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized the need to respect the SC and maintain trust in the country’s institutions. Castro highlighted the independence of the legislative and judicial branches in handling impeachment proceedings, stating that Malacañang recognizes their autonomy in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
The statement avoids direct comment on the specifics of the ruling, focusing instead on the importance of respecting the court’s authority.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision declared the Articles of Impeachment unconstitutional, citing the one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 5 of the Constitution, and violations of due process.
The ruling, penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, noted the absence of Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, who recused himself, and Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, who was on leave. The decision effectively prevents the court from acquiring jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings, stemming from consolidated petitions filed by Vice President Duterte, lawyer Israelito Torreon, and others seeking to nullify the Articles of Impeachment.
While the SC clarified that its decision does not absolve Vice President Duterte of the charges, it stated that any future impeachment complaint could only be filed starting February 6, 2026, one day after the anniversary of the House of Representatives’ impeachment vote.
The ruling is immediately executory, although the House of Representatives retains the option to file a motion for reconsideration.
Malacañang’s measured response emphasizes the administration’s commitment to respecting the judicial process, while acknowledging the significant political implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. The statement underscores the delicate balance between respecting the judiciary and navigating the ongoing political discourse surrounding the Vice President.
