MANILA, Philippines — Two new impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte have been formally transmitted to the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, reopening a highly contentious issue just days after the one-year constitutional bar expired.
According to House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil, the complaints—filed separately by the Makabayan Coalition and representatives from civil society organizations—were forwarded to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III for appropriate action in accordance with House rules.
The complaints cite multiple grounds, including alleged misuse of confidential funds, violation of transparency and accountability standards, defiance of congressional oversight, and abuse of power. The second complaint further alleges graft and corruption, unexplained wealth, and constitutional violations.
Lawmakers backing the complaints said the filings are a constitutional obligation, arguing that accountability mechanisms must remain available regardless of political consequences.
“The expiration of the one-year bar restores Congress’ duty to act on verified complaints,” one endorser said, stressing that the process does not presume guilt but allows allegations to be examined through proper channels.
Allies of Vice President Duterte, however, criticized the move as politically motivated, warning that repeated impeachment attempts could destabilize institutions and undermine the intent of constitutional safeguards.
“This pattern risks turning impeachment into a political weapon rather than a legal remedy,” a Duterte-aligned lawmaker said, adding that the Vice President has previously denied wrongdoing and has not been convicted of any offense.
The renewed effort follows the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling that voided the first impeachment attempt against Duterte for violating the one-year bar rule under the 1987 Constitution. The High Court clarified that impeachment proceedings are deemed initiated once a verified complaint is referred to the House committee on justice.
Under House procedure, the Speaker must include the complaints in the Order of Business within 10 session days from endorsement. The committee on rules will then decide whether to refer the matter to the committee on justice.
Vice President Duterte has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the new complaints. Her office has previously maintained that allegations related to confidential funds were lawful and compliant with existing regulations.
As Congress weighs its next steps, legal experts note that the outcome will likely shape future interpretations of impeachment procedures, legislative oversight, and executive accountability.
