MANILA, Philippines — Legal challenges against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte intensified on Friday, April 10, 2026, as a third petition was filed with the Supreme Court, assailing the constitutionality of the process currently unfolding in the House of Representatives.
The motion to intervene was filed by a group of 14 individuals, including former CHEd Commissioner Ronald Adamat, the One Bangsamoro Movement, and a team of 12 lawyers. This follows similar petitions previously filed by the Vice President herself and her legal counsel over the last fortnight.
The petitioners are asking the high tribunal to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a writ of preliminary injunction to immediately freeze the hearings of the House Committee on Justice.
- Procedural Flaw: The core of the petition argues that the two remaining impeachment complaints (the third and fourth out of the original four) are unconstitutional.
- The Claim: Petitioners allege that lawmakers failed to furnish physical copies of the complaints to all members of the House, thereby preventing “informed plenary participation.”
- Grave Abuse of Discretion: The group claims the referral process is “tainted” and has been converted into a “hollow procedural passage” rather than a meaningful deliberative stage.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, leaders of the House of Representatives maintain that the proceedings are above board.
- Strict Adherence: Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, chair of the House panel on justice, stated that the committee is “fully constitutional” and strictly following the House rules and relevant SC rulings.
- Continuing Hearings: Luistro confirmed that in the absence of an actual TRO from the Supreme Court, the committee will proceed with gathering evidence as scheduled.
- Dilatory Tactics: Manila Rep. Joel Chua and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima both criticized the filings. Chua characterized the petitions as “dilatory tactics” intended to block the determination of facts, while De Lima questioned the camp’s heavy reliance on judicial intervention to stop a legislative process.
While the Supreme Court has directed the House of Representatives to respond to the petition within 10 days, it notably declined to issue an immediate TRO. This allows the House Committee on Justice to continue its investigation into the allegations against the Vice President, which include claims of betrayal of public trust and violation of the Constitution.
The outcome of these legal challenges will be pivotal in determining whether the impeachment process reaches the plenary floor for a full vote by the chamber later this year.