MANILA, Philippines — Impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte were formally initiated on Monday, February 23, 2026, as the House of Representatives referred four complaints to the Committee on Justice.
The referral marks a critical procedural step, officially triggering the one-year bar rule, which prevents any other impeachment proceedings from being initiated against the Vice President until February 23, 2027.
Key Details of the Proceedings:
- Referral: Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron referred the complaints to the justice panel during Monday’s plenary session.
- The Complaints: There are four distinct complaints, primarily based on:
- Online Death Threats: Alleged threats made by Duterte on Nov. 23, 2024, against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez.
- Misuse of Funds: Allegations regarding the improper use of confidential and intelligence funds.
- Asset Non-declaration: Charges related to her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
- Next Steps: The Committee on Justice, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, will determine if the complaints are “sufficient in form and substance.” If deemed sufficient, a hearing to determine probable cause must occur within 60 session days.
Political Context:
The initiation of these raps comes shortly after Duterte announced her intention to run for president in 2028. Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. are among the key endorsers of the latest complaints.
This is the second time the House has pursued impeachment against Duterte. A previous attempt in February 2025 was eventually ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in July 2025 for violating the one-year bar rule, as it followed a previous filing too closely. Proponents this time emphasize that the procedural timing now aligns with constitutional requirements.