Former Supreme Court justices raised concerns over the tribunal’s unanimous decision voiding the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, and a lawyer’s group warned that the ruling could distort constitutional safeguards and weaken accountability mechanisms for high officials.

The Philippine Supreme Court has blocked an impeachment trial against Sara Duterte, marking a victory for the country's vice president. The lower house of the Philippine parliament had voted to impeach Duterte in February after she was accused of misusing public funds and threatening to kill President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"The Court said it is not absolving Vice President Duterte from any of the charges against her, but any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026," Supreme Court Spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting told a news briefing on Friday.