The Supreme Court ruled that the Senate "acted in a timely manner" in handling the first impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte in 2025. In a 14-0-1 decision, the high court defined "forthwith" in the Constitution as "within a reasonable time." This clarifies the Senate's process for impeachment trials.
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court en banc dismissed a mandamus petition filed by Catalino Aldea Generillo Jr. seeking to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte. In a decision promulgated on April 29, 2026, penned by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, the court deemed the petition "moot and academic" since no Articles of Impeachment remained after its July 2025 decision and January 2026 resolution declared them unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court stated that the Senate "acted in a timely manner" on the first impeachment complaint against Duterte, then led by Sen. Francis Escudero. The decision clarified that "forthwith" in Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution means "within a reasonable time, which may be longer or shorter, depending on the circumstances of each case."
It noted that while the House must act within session days, the Senate has discretion on trial timing to allow preparations. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa did not participate in the vote, while Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen concurred in the result but dissented on the interpretation of "forthwith."
