Supreme Court dismisses challenges to Sara Duterte impeachment

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Wednesday, August 5, dismissed the consolidated petitions challenging the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, declaring the legal challenges moot after the House of Representatives formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.

In its en banc session on August 5, the Supreme Court ruled that the petitions—filed separately by lawyer Israelito Torreon and Duterte—no longer required judicial resolution.

The petitioners had accused the House Committee on Justice of overstepping its constitutional authority by gathering evidence and compelling witnesses to appear during its initial review of the complaints.

They also contested the committee's findings that the impeachment complaints were sufficient in form, substance, and grounds.

However, the Supreme Court emphasized that the House's official transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate marked the conclusion of the lower chamber's role and officially initiated the trial phase.

Consequently, the specific actions the petitioners sought to block had already been completed.

The High Court further noted that the impeachment process is now fully within the jurisdiction of the Senate, which has already convened as an Impeachment Court and commenced proceedings.

As a result, any ruling on the preliminary actions taken by the House and its Committee on Justice would have no practical effect on the ongoing case, according to the Supreme Court.

While the Supreme Court acknowledged its authority to rule on moot issues under exceptional circumstances, it declared that none of the recognized exceptions applied to the Vice President's case.

The Senate impeachment court concluded its 13th day of hearing the Articles of Impeachment on Wednesday, with the proceedings focused on Article I, which deals with the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

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