House Files Motion for Reconsideration on Sara Duterte Impeachment
MANILA — The House of Representatives formally filed a motion for reconsideration to challenge the Supreme Court’s decision on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. This latest move aims to reverse the ruling that declared the fourth impeachment complaint unconstitutional.
The House emphasized that this action is rooted in constitutional responsibility and respect for democratic institutions. “With utmost respect for the Constitution, in defense of institutional balance, and in the name of the Filipino people whom we are sworn to represent, the House of Representatives today filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Supreme Court of the Philippines,” sources said.
They clarified that the motion is not an act of defiance but a constitutional duty to uphold the people’s right to accountability. “We act not to provoke a clash of institutions, but to prevent the erosion of the people’s right to accountability,” local leaders noted.
Supreme Court’s Ruling on Fourth Impeachment Complaint
On July 25, the Supreme Court spokesperson announced that the articles of impeachment forwarded to the Senate were deemed unconstitutional. The ruling cited a violation of the 1987 Constitution’s one-year bar rule, which restricts filing multiple complaints within the same year.
Earlier, on February 5, Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached after 215 House members from the 19th Congress filed and signed the fourth complaint. The allegations include misuse of confidential funds, issuing threats against ranking officials, and other possible constitutional violations.
The impeachment articles were promptly transmitted to the Senate, as mandated by the Constitution, which requires a trial to begin if at least one-third of the House members endorse the complaint.
Legal Petitions and House’s Defense
Following the impeachment, two petitions were filed before the Supreme Court to halt the complaints. One petition came from Mindanao-based lawyers, who argued that the House failed to observe the constitutional timeline requiring action on impeachment complaints within 10 session days.
The first impeachment complaint was initially filed in December 2024 but was only referred to the House Committee on Rules in February. However, the House argued that it complied with the 10 session day rule, clarifying that “session days” differ from “calendar days” or “working days.”
According to their reply to the Supreme Court, all impeachment complaints were processed within the required timeframe, affirming their adherence to constitutional procedures.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s Reaction
During her first press conference since the impeachment, Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the media with a calm demeanor. After declaring, “God save the Philippines,” she downplayed the impeachment, remarking, “Mas masakit pang mawala ang mahal sa buhay kaysa ma-impeach ng House of Representatives.”
This sentiment underscores her resilience amid the political turbulence surrounding the case.
For more news and updates on impeachment cases, visit Filipinokami.com.
