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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Duterte 'not avoiding the process', says lawyers amid SC filing vs impeachment

VP Duterte 'not avoiding the process', says lawyers amid SC filing vs impeachment

VP Sara's petition seeks to clarify the constitutional boundaries of the impeachment process, according to her defense team

Published Apr 8, 2026 09:53 am
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team elevates impeachment-related proceedings to the Supreme Court, citing constitutional concerns. (Manila Bulletin/file photo)
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team elevates impeachment-related proceedings to the Supreme Court, citing constitutional concerns. (Manila Bulletin/file photo)
Vice President Sara Duterte has taken her legal battle to the Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines, with her defense team confirming the filing of a petition questioning ongoing proceedings at the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 8, Duterte’s lawyers said they filed a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition in connection with the hearings before the House Committee on Justice.
“We confirm that a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition has been filed before the [SC] in relation to the ongoing proceedings before the House Committee on Justice,” the statement read.
Ensuring constitutional compliance
The defense team emphasized that the move is not an attempt to block or delay proceedings, but rather to ensure constitutional compliance.
“To be clear, this is not about avoiding the process,” the statement read. “This is about ensuring that the process itself complies with the Constitution,” it added.
According to the lawyers, the petition raises “fundamental constitutional questions” that they believe require the SC’s immediate intervention.
Questioning limits of impeachment powers
While acknowledging the authority of the House to initiate impeachment, Duterte’s camp stressed that such power has clear constitutional boundaries.
“The House has the power to initiate impeachment, but that power is not without limits,” the defense team said.
The statement, however, did not specify which aspects of the proceedings are being challenged, citing respect for the judiciary.
Silence on details—for now
Duterte’s legal team said they would refrain from publicly discussing the petition’s details while the case is pending.
“Out of respect for the Court, we will refrain from discussing the details publicly and will await its action,” the statement said.
The petition could have significant implications not only for Duterte but also for future impeachment proceedings.
A SC ruling may clarify procedural limits, due process standards, and the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches.
For now, attention turns to the SC, whose response could shape the trajectory of one of the most closely watched political developments in the country. 

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Supreme Court Philippines impeachment proceedings Philippines House Committee on Justice certiorari petition Philippines constitutional law Philippines separation of powers Philippines
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