MANILA, Philippines — The possibility of refiling the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte by February 2026 is high, according to Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon. This prediction comes as the Supreme Court (SC) considers the House of Representatives’ submitted articles, making the refiling impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte a key topic among lawmakers.
In a recent press briefing, Ridon emphasized that while the House awaits the SC’s decision on its motion for reconsideration, several members are poised to file a new complaint once the one-year ban imposed by the SC expires on February 6, 2026.
Awaiting Supreme Court Decision
“It is crucial for the House to anticipate what lies ahead after the Senate archived the impeachment proceedings,” Ridon explained. “Congress will wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling on our motion for reconsideration.”
He added, “Whatever happens next, we will address it in due time. However, I believe the impeachment process may resume by February 2026, focusing on the same allegations such as misuse of confidential funds and threats to officials.”
When asked about his confidence in the refiling, Ridon said, “House members are definitely interested. If the evidence is solid and the cause just, nothing should prevent us from refiling. Though it stopped us this time, February 2026 remains an option.”
Impeachment Process and Possible Tactics
Regarding whether the new complaint would follow the committee on justice or a fast-track procedure like before, Ridon noted that the approach depends on the House’s strategy.
“It boils down to tactics,” he said. “We just need to agree on the justice of the cause. I’m confident many House members will agree it’s justified.”
The original impeachment complaint was filed on February 5 by 215 House members from the 19th Congress. It cited misuse of confidential funds, threats to ranking officials, and violations of the 1987 Constitution. The complaint was immediately sent to the Senate, according to constitutional requirements.
Supreme Court Ruling and Senate Action
In February, the Supreme Court received petitions challenging the impeachment. One petition, filed by Mindanao lawyers, claimed the House did not act within the required 10 session days. Another, backed by Vice President Duterte and her legal team, argued the complaint violated the constitutional rule allowing only one impeachment complaint per official per year.
On July 25, SC spokesperson Camille Ting announced the Court unanimously ruled the impeachment articles unconstitutional due to the one-year bar rule. Following this, the Senate debated whether to continue the trial.
Ultimately, the Senate voted 19-4 to archive the complaint. Some lawmakers criticized the Senate for acting despite the unresolved SC appeal. Still, Ridon remains hopeful for a possible reversal.
“We’re thankful the case wasn’t dismissed outright,” Ridon said. “Archiving doesn’t kill the issue entirely.”
Beyond Politics: Seeking Accountability
Ridon also addressed claims that the impeachment was politically motivated. He insisted the House’s goal was accountability, not political vendetta.
“I agree impeachment shouldn’t be used for politics,” he said. “But the House simply wants answers on serious issues like the misuse of confidential funds and threats to officials.”
For more news and updates on the impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte, visit Filipinokami.com.
