Vice President Sara Duterte addressed renewed discussion on another impeachment move against her, saying she had expected such talks to resurface as the time bar on filing complaints draws close to expiring.
In a statement issued Monday, Duterte pointed to what she described as recurring political maneuvering. “The latest pronouncement by some members of the House of Representatives on a new impeachment complaint is not surprising. Its timing reveals a pattern that has become all too familiar,” she said.
Speculation over a new complaint has grown ahead of February, when the one-year prohibition on filing an impeachment case against the same official lapses. The House impeached Duterte in February over alleged misuse of confidential funds, but the Supreme Court, in July, ruled those impeachment articles unconstitutional.
Discussion about a fresh attempt has been heard from various political groups. Earlier this month, Teddy Casiño, chairman of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, told 24 Oras that Bayan was considering action. “One thing we are preparing for is the end of the one-year ban in February,” he said. “Most likely, we will file an impeachment [complaint] again.” He noted that no trial had taken place in the previous round.
Other voices from progressive blocs have also signaled openness. Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña said in a media interview, “If civil society groups or people’s movements who had filed the first impeachment complaint tell us to file one, we’ll be open to support them.”
Duterte, in her Dec. 8 remarks, recalled claims made earlier this year. She said certain lawmakers “revealed that, back in February 2024, signatures for my impeachment were being courted in exchange for budget allocations.” She added, “Now, this constitutional mechanism is being dangled once again as a bargaining chip right before the 2026 National Budget is passed.”
She criticized what she called an abuse of the process. “To those who continue to exploit the impeachment process, stop hiding behind the language of ‘good governance,’” she said. “I have always stood ready to answer any allegation grounded in fact and truth. But I cannot remain silent while the impeachment process is being twisted into a budget-driven racket.”
The Constitution bars more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a year. That restriction ends for Duterte in February.
The Manila Times has sought comment from Casiño and House members regarding the latest discussions.
Three impeachment complaints have previously been filed in the House, while a separate complaint was the one elevated to the Senate.
