MANILA (Bloomberg): The Philippines’ House of Representatives on Monday asked the Supreme Court to reverse its decision nullifying the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte over an apparent threat to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The House filed an appeal before the high court, which unanimously decided last month that the complaint against Duterte defied the constitutional rule that only one impeachment proceeding may be initiated against the same official within one year.
"Impeachment is primarily a political process, as emphasized by the Constitution’s entrusting it to Congress and not to the Judiciary,” lawyers for the House said in the motion for reconsideration.
"Thus, any ruling of this Honorable Court on impeachment must reflect impeachment’s true nature. It must give due deference to the branch of government to whom impeachment is entrusted,” they said.
The vice president, daughter of ex-leader Rodrigo Duterte, was impeached in February by the House and has denied accusations that include plotting to assassinate Marcos and misusing public funds.
The bid to oust the vice president came as her public feud with Marcos deepened, following their triumphant election team-up in 2022. Rodrigo is currently detained at the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity over his deadly drug war.
The House, which had archived three impeachment complaints filed against Sara Duterte in December, said all complaints were treated in accordance with the Constitution. "It is rather the fourth impeachment complaint which barred all other impeachment from being initiated,” the House’s motion read.
The court decision was a relief for Duterte, who was awaiting trial in the country’s Senate that could disqualify her from public office if convicted. The vice president is widely seen as a top contender for the 2028 election to succeed Marcos, who is limited to a single, six-year term.
A group of Filipinos also appealed the Supreme Court ruling last Friday.
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