MARCH 2, 2026 — The House justice committee has officially cleared two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte as “sufficient in form,” while setting aside two others due to the one-year bar rule. That leaves only two active complaints on the table — but make no mistake, these are serious enough to potentially unseat the Vice President if proven sufficient in substance.

The bar rule drama

The first complaint, filed by progressive groups and endorsed by the Makabayan bloc, was tossed aside after Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores argued it violated the one-year bar rule. 

“I move that we set aside the first complaint because it was filed prior to the lapse of the one-year bar rule,” Flores said. 

Twenty-two members agreed, while ten opposed.

The Supreme Court’s ruling last year complicated things further. It redefined “session days” and clarified that impeachment proceedings are considered “initiated” only when referred to the justice committee — not just when filed. This technicality advanced the timeline for compliance, which explains why petitioners rushed to file before February 6.

The surviving complaints

The two complaints that survived — filed by clergymen, nuns, lawyers, and another petitioner backed by lawmakers like Rep. Leila de Lima and Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. — were swiftly declared sufficient in form. No objections, no drama. Both were filed in February and referred to the committee by February 23, neatly fitting the rules.

The allegations? Misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, along with accusations of betrayal of public trust, graft, bribery, and even issuing death threats against President Bongbong Marcos and his allies. 

Heavy charges, no doubt.

What this means for us

Here’s the thing: impeachment hearings are not just political theater. They directly affect how government resources are managed, how accountability is enforced, and how leaders are held to the Constitution. For us already grappling with inflation, rising food prices, and the daily grind, the idea that hundreds of millions in confidential funds could be misused is more than just a headline — it’s a gut punch.

The justice committee will now move to the next stage: determining sufficiency in substance. That’s where the real test lies — whether the complaints are backed by detailed facts, not just sweeping accusations. If they pass, the process escalates, and the Vice President could face trial in the Senate.

This also highlights how the Supreme Court’s rulings can reshape political battles. By redefining timelines and procedures, the Court has essentially forced Congress to play by stricter rules. 

For lawmakers, it’s a reminder that impeachment isn’t just about numbers in the committee but about precision, timing, and constitutional compliance. For the public, it’s a test of trust. 

At the end of the day, will this impeachment fight really hold leaders accountable, or are we just watching another scripted drama meant to keep us guessing while nothing changes?

(Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook)