MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio took a swipe at what she called “greedy leaders” and “abuses” in the House of Representatives, as she expressed gratitude to her legal team and supporters following the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling declaring her impeachment unconstitutional.
“Our country deserves better, and we shall stand tall, strong, and resilient against leaders whose greed will bring down our homeland. We deserve better,” Duterte-Carpio said in a statement sent to Panay News on Wednesday.
The Supreme Court ruled 13-0 that the impeachment complaint filed and adopted by the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025 – with more than 200 lawmakers voting in favor – was in violation of the one-year bar rule under Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the 1987 Constitution. The tribunal also found that Duterte’s right to due process was violated.
Although the ruling is immediately executory, the House has announced its intention to file a motion for reconsideration, claiming the Court’s ruling contradicted official congressional records.
The High Court clarified that its decision does not absolve Duterte-Carpio of the allegations against her — which included betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes — but that a new impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026.
In her statement, Duterte-Carpio thanked her legal defense team for taking on the case amid intense political backlash.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Defense Team for taking on my case, even when no one else was willing to stand by me,” she said.
She also commended the petitioners of G.R. No. 278359 for bringing the matter to the Supreme Court.
“Thank you to the Petitioners of G.R. No. 278359 for having the conviction to challenge the abuses of the House of Representatives,” she noted.
Duterte-Carpio further acknowledged individuals who publicly condemned the proceedings, calling them a source of strength during the ordeal.
“To those whose voices rang out in dissent against persecution — thank you. Your courage to speak the truth has been a source of strength,” she said.
She likewise expressed appreciation to the silent majority and families who prayed for her during the legal battle./PN
