The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment passed by Congress as "unconstitutional."
"We welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte unconstitutional for violating the one-year bar under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution," the defense team stated.
The team said the court's decision affirms what they had maintained from the beginning—"that the 4th impeachment complaint is constitutionally infirm."
"This unanimous Decision has once again upheld the rule of law and reinforced the constitutional limits against abuse of the impeachment process," they added.
The defense team said they remain prepared to address the allegations "at the proper time and before the appropriate forum."
According to the Supreme Court, the Articles of Impeachment were barred by the one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution and also violated Duterte’s right to due process as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
"Therefore the Senate could not acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings," the SC added.
However, the Supreme Court clarified that it was not absolving Duterte of the charges, and that any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026.
The Supreme Court also emphasized its impartiality, saying it is not their duty to favor any political result.
"Our fundamental law is clear: The end does not justify the means," the SC said.
In February, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte, accusing her of misusing public funds, amassing unusual wealth, and threatening to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the House Speaker.
