The Supreme Court has reshaped how future impeachment cases will be initiated and assessed by ruling Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment unconstitutional. In its July 25, 2025 decision, the high court cited the House’s inaction and lack of due process as grounds for voiding it. It also laid down new standards for impeachments going forward.
In its July 25, 2025 decision, the Supreme Court declared Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment unconstitutional due to procedural violations, including the House’s “inaction” on pending complaints and lack of due process. When resolving the House’s motion for reconsideration, the court provided more detailed guidance on impeachment procedures, differing in some aspects from its initial ruling.
First, it clarified the start of the one-year bar rule: this occurs when a complaint is filed and referred to the justice committee (first mode) or endorsed by at least one-third of House members (second mode). It added two conditions: complaints not included in the Order of Business or not referred within the required period, as well as those unacted upon before Congress adjourns sine die.
Second, it redefined “session days” as calendar days when the House is in session or scheduled to meet for plenary, typically three days per week (Monday to Wednesday). The decision stated, “session days” refer to days the House is supposed to convene. This interpretation changed from the earlier ruling, which found the House complied with the 10-session day requirement for the first three complaints.
Third, multiple complaints against the same official are permitted, but the House must follow constitutional and procedural rules. There is no priority between the first or second mode, and the House can decide which complaint to prioritize, dismiss as sham, or consolidate.
For the second mode, the respondent must receive a copy of the articles of impeachment and evidence, be allowed to respond, and all must be shared with House members before transmittal to the Senate. Referral to the justice committee is not mandatory but can verify endorsements, review evidence, or consolidate complaints.
In response, lawmakers indicated the House needs to revise its impeachment rules to avoid future issues, while continuing hearings against President Bongbong Marcos and anticipating refiled complaints against Duterte after the one-year bar expires.
