MANILA, Philippines — Just as the nation focuses on impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice President Sara Duterte is facing her own renewed legal battle. On Monday, February 2, 2026, two separate impeachment complaints were filed against her by progressive groups and civil society leaders.
The move follows a period of intense legal debate over whether the one-year constitutional “bar” on filing more than one impeachment complaint against the same official has expired.
The Complainants and Charges Two distinct groups submitted filings to the House of Representatives:
- Makabayan Coalition: Led by former Reps. France Castro and Neri Colmenares, this complaint focuses on three grounds:
- Misuse of Funds: Alleged abuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds (Dec 2022–Q3 2023).
- Fabricated Reports: Alleged preparation of “implausible accomplishment reports” and falsified liquidation documents submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA).
- Dereliction of Duty: Refusal to recognize congressional oversight and budget deliberation authorities.
- Tindig Pilipinas & Allies: This group, led by Kiko Aquino Dee and joined by Rep. Percival Cendaña and Leila de Lima, listed five articles including graft, unexplained wealth, and the toleration of extrajudicial killings.
The “One-Year Bar” Controversy The timing of the filings rests on a complex interpretation of a Supreme Court (SC) ruling:
- Conflicting Dates: House Justice Committee Chair Gerville Luistro noted that the SC’s original 2025 decision suggested a new complaint could only be filed starting February 6, 2026.
- The “Jan 14” Argument: However, a more recent SC resolution (January 29, 2026) suggested the initial 2024 complaint was technically “initiated” on January 14, 2025. This would mean the one-year bar actually lapsed on January 15, 2026, making the current Monday filings valid.
- Call for Clarity: Rep. Luistro has formally asked the High Tribunal to clarify which reckoning period the House should follow to avoid a “procedural crossroads.”
Official Responses
- Malacañang: Palace press officer Claire Castro maintained that President Marcos has “no hand” in the complaints against his former ally. “We are not responsible for the filing of those complaints,” she stated.
- House of Representatives: Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor announced that the House is preparing to update its rules on impeachment to make the “initiation” process clearer and prevent future constitutional confusion.
As the House Justice Committee begins the process of evaluating these complaints alongside those against the President, the country enters a period of unprecedented legislative activity aimed at the highest offices of the land.