Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has secured a critical legal victory as the Supreme Court ruled the impeachment case against her as unconstitutional. The decision, delivered on Friday, marks a pivotal moment in Duterte’s political journey and could potentially set the stage for her presidential aspirations in 2028.
Sara Duterte Escapes Impeachment in Boost to 2028 Presidential Bid
While the court clarified that the ruling does not absolve Duterte of the accusations leveled against her, the dismissal of the complaint removes a significant obstacle from her path. The judgment arrives amid a backdrop of intense political rivalry, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Duterte embroiled in a bitter feud that has deeply divided the current administration.
The Supreme Court’s decision to void the impeachment complaint filed by the House of Representatives is widely seen as a lifeline for Duterte. The court ruled that the process by which the impeachment was carried out violated constitutional procedures and due process rights. Though the charges remain serious, the decision essentially resets the board for the vice president, allowing her to remain in office and maintain her eligibility to run for president in 2028.
Duterte had been accused of gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds amounting to millions of dollars during her time as education secretary under Marcos’ administration. The impeachment process, initiated in February by the lower house, gained traction amid rising tensions between Duterte and Marcos. Notably, she was also accused of making death threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, adding further fuel to the political crisis.
A Boost to Presidential Prospects
The impeachment threat had cast a long shadow over Sara Duterte’s political future. A conviction would have resulted in a lifetime ban from holding public office, potentially ending her ambitions for the country’s highest position. Now, with the impeachment behind her, political analysts suggest that Duterte is poised to become a leading contender for the presidency in 2028.
With Marcos constitutionally limited to a single six-year term, the 2028 race is wide open. Duterte, already enjoying significant support from various sectors loyal to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, could emerge as a unifying figure for the political opposition to Marcos’ camp.
Political observers note that this legal victory may embolden her base and energize her political machinery ahead of a formal campaign launch in the coming years.
The Shadow of Her Father’s Legacy
Sara Duterte’s rise in politics is intricately tied to the legacy of her father, Rodrigo Duterte, who served as the country’s president from 2016 to 2022. Known for his aggressive war on drugs and controversial rhetoric, Rodrigo Duterte remains a divisive figure in Philippine and international politics.
His administration’s policies, particularly the drug crackdown that reportedly led to the deaths of thousands, are now under intense international scrutiny. Rodrigo Duterte was recently arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and immediately flown to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He faces charges of crimes against humanity, accusations he has consistently denied.
Sara Duterte has been vocal in defending her father. Earlier this year, she traveled to The Hague to offer support during his initial court appearance, where he maintained his innocence. The emotional and political weight of this family drama has only added more complexity to her own political narrative.
Marcos-Duterte Rift in Full View
The impeachment proceedings and the broader feud with President Marcos have exposed deep fractures within the Philippine political elite. Once seen as political allies following their joint endorsement in the 2022 national elections, the Duterte-Marcos alliance has disintegrated over policy disagreements, personality clashes, and control over key government institutions.
Insiders suggest that Marcos’ inner circle viewed Duterte as a political threat rather than an ally, prompting efforts to undermine her standing. The impeachment, seen by many as a tool to neutralize her influence, backfired when the Supreme Court declared the proceedings unconstitutional.
Political commentator Ramon Casiple observed that the ruling “signals a major defeat for the Marcos camp and a stunning resurgence for Duterte. She is now free to plot her next political moves without the cloud of impeachment hanging over her.”
The Road to 2028
With legal clarity restored and public sympathy likely bolstered by the impeachment debacle, Sara Duterte can now begin to reposition herself in the national spotlight. While it remains unclear whether she will directly challenge the legacy of President Marcos or take a more conciliatory route, one thing is evident: she is back in the game.
Sources close to Duterte indicate she plans to refocus her attention on key national issues such as education reform, economic empowerment for rural communities, and restoring integrity in governance. Her legal team has stated that while they respect the outcome of the court, they also emphasize that due process and the rule of law must remain cornerstones of Philippine democracy.
National Reaction
Public reaction to the Supreme Court ruling has been sharply divided. Supporters of Duterte hailed the decision as a vindication, describing the impeachment as nothing more than a political witch hunt. On the other side, critics argue that the Supreme Court’s ruling avoids addressing the serious allegations at hand.
“While the ruling is based on technicalities, the public still deserves to know whether the funds were misused,” said lawyer and political analyst Atty. Maricar Yulo. “Justice should not only be done but must be seen to be done.”
Nonetheless, Duterte’s legal escape has galvanized her political base and injected new life into her potential 2028 presidential campaign.
Sara Duterte’s path to the presidency is far from guaranteed, but the removal of the impeachment cloud marks a major milestone. With a powerful political name, strong regional backing, and now the Supreme Court’s stamp on her eligibility, she is more than just a contender—she is a frontrunner.
The coming months will reveal whether she chooses to stay the course quietly or launch an assertive national campaign. Regardless, the political tides in the Philippines have shifted dramatically, and Sara Duterte remains firmly at the center of the storm.
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