FEBRUARY 24, 2026 — The House of Representatives has officially referred four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Justice Committee, triggering the constitutional one-year ban on filing new cases. That means — for better or worse — this is the only impeachment battle she’ll face until February 2027.

The complaints are heavy: alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, accusations of bribery within the Department of Education, supposed ill-gotten wealth, discrepancies in her SALN, and even threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Justice Committee, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, has 60 session days to investigate and submit its recommendation. After that, the plenary decides — needing at least one-third of the 316 House members to push the case to the Senate for trial.

Now this isn’t just about Sara Duterte but also about how impeachment, a constitutional safeguard, is wielded in Philippine politics. Is it truly about accountability, or is it just another round of political chess? 

Remember, Duterte recently announced her 2028 presidential bid, so the timing of these complaints is impossible to ignore.

The Justice Committee’s hearings will be public, messy, and likely polarizing. But that’s exactly why we should pay attention. After all, we are talking about the credibility of our institutions and the kind of leadership we want in the years ahead.

Do you think this impeachment will be remembered as a turning point for accountability or will this end up as just another show in the never-ending drama of Philippine politics?

(Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook)