MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is preparing to accept new impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte starting February 6, 2026, following the expiration of a one-year constitutional ban on initiating multiple proceedings against the same official.
The announcement was made by Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon during a Saturday News Forum on January 31, 2026.
The One-Year Rule and SC Ruling The timeline for the new filing is dictated by Article XI, Section 3 (5) of the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits initiating impeachment against the same person more than once within a one-year period.
- The Voided Complaint: The Supreme Court (SC) recently upheld the unconstitutionality of a fourth impeachment complaint transmitted to the Senate on February 5, 2025.
- The Violation: The court ruled that this complaint was barred because it was filed too soon after three separate complaints were lodged in December 2024.
- Ready for Resubmission: “We respect the decision of the Supreme Court… But we are also clarifying that come February 6, Congress is ready to accept and hear all new complaints against VP Sara Duterte,” Ridon said.
Revised Guidelines for Filing Ridon noted that the latest SC decision also simplified the “due process requirements” for initiating impeachment via the “express route” (a resolution favored by at least one-third of all House members):
- No Advance Notice: The high court no longer requires advance notice or copies of evidence to be sent to the impeachable officer at the time of filing.
- Member Responsibility: House members participating in the express route must now ensure they have personal copies of the draft complaint and all supporting evidence.
- Plenary Transparency: All members involved in plenary deliberations must also be provided with copies of the articles of impeachment and the accompanying evidence.
Political Context The move to restart the impeachment process signals a continued rift between the Vice President and the legislative majority. While the previous attempt was derailed by constitutional technicalities, the February 6 reopening allows complainants to resubmit their charges—which previously focused on alleged misuse of confidential funds and other administrative concerns—without violating the one-year prohibition.
House leaders have vowed to abide by the SC’s refined rules to ensure that any forthcoming proceedings are legally airtight and constitutionally sound in 2026.