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Advocates Philippines
No More Impeachments In The Philippines? Supreme Court Ruling May Set Dangerous Precedent, Lawmaker Warns
Photo from Congress PH
There may no longer be any possibility of impeaching public officials in the Philippines—unless the Supreme Court reconsiders its recent decision nullifying the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. This was the stark warning issued by House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon on Thursday, July 31.
In a statement, Ridon expressed concern that the high court’s ruling could create a precedent that weakens the constitutional process meant to hold top officials accountable. He argued that if the Supreme Court continues to intervene in the internal proceedings of Congress—particularly in matters as critical as impeachment—it could effectively render the entire process meaningless.
“The power to impeach lies solely with Congress, as granted by the Constitution,” Ridon emphasized. “If the Court can unilaterally void Articles of Impeachment before trial, then we are witnessing the erosion of one of our strongest institutional checks on abuse of power.”
The Articles of Impeachment against VP Duterte, which had been approved in committee and were awaiting deliberation in the House plenary, were recently declared void by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds. The decision has drawn both support and criticism, with proponents calling it a necessary move to uphold legal standards, and critics like Ridon warning of its long-term consequences.
“If this decision stands,” Ridon added, “it sends a message that no official can ever be held to account through impeachment—because any attempt can be stopped not by merit, but by legal technicality.”
He urged fellow lawmakers and members of the public to recognize what’s at stake—not just in the case of VP Duterte, but in safeguarding democratic mechanisms for the future. He also called on the Supreme Court to reconsider its position to preserve the integrity of the constitutional process.
As the legal and political debate continues, the ruling raises urgent questions about the balance of powers among the country’s key institutions—and whether impeachment will remain a viable tool for accountability in the Philippines.
In a statement, Ridon expressed concern that the high court’s ruling could create a precedent that weakens the constitutional process meant to hold top officials accountable. He argued that if the Supreme Court continues to intervene in the internal proceedings of Congress—particularly in matters as critical as impeachment—it could effectively render the entire process meaningless.
“The power to impeach lies solely with Congress, as granted by the Constitution,” Ridon emphasized. “If the Court can unilaterally void Articles of Impeachment before trial, then we are witnessing the erosion of one of our strongest institutional checks on abuse of power.”
The Articles of Impeachment against VP Duterte, which had been approved in committee and were awaiting deliberation in the House plenary, were recently declared void by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds. The decision has drawn both support and criticism, with proponents calling it a necessary move to uphold legal standards, and critics like Ridon warning of its long-term consequences.
“If this decision stands,” Ridon added, “it sends a message that no official can ever be held to account through impeachment—because any attempt can be stopped not by merit, but by legal technicality.”
He urged fellow lawmakers and members of the public to recognize what’s at stake—not just in the case of VP Duterte, but in safeguarding democratic mechanisms for the future. He also called on the Supreme Court to reconsider its position to preserve the integrity of the constitutional process.
As the legal and political debate continues, the ruling raises urgent questions about the balance of powers among the country’s key institutions—and whether impeachment will remain a viable tool for accountability in the Philippines.
Jul 31, 2025
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