Vice President Sara Duterte has submitted her formal answer to the Senate’s impeachment charges, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched political trials in recent memory.
On June 23, just hours before the deadline, she filed a 34-page response with the Senate impeachment court. In it, she asked the chamber to dismiss the complaint, describing it as “nothing more than a scrap of paper.” She pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include corruption, abuse of power, and misuse of public funds.
Ad cautelam, a Latin term meaning “as a precaution”, was used to describe the nature of the filing. It means the legal reply was submitted to protect her rights, even while she contests the legitimacy of the entire process.
Constitutional Defense at the Heart of Senate Impeachment Clash
At the core of her defense is the constitutional “one-year bar rule.” Her legal team argues that this marks the fourth impeachment complaint against her within a 12-month period — a direct violation of Section 3(5), Article XI of the 1987 Constitution. That clause states no official shall be subject to more than one impeachment proceeding in a year.
Duterte also claimed that the complaint relies on exaggerations, not evidence. She maintained that the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to damage her image ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
House prosecutors received her answer and confirmed they are reviewing it. Their counter-argument is expected by the end of the week, likely by June 30. Once it’s filed, the Senate is expected to schedule pre-trial steps, possibly setting the case in motion by mid- to late July. A July 30 start had previously been floated, but no final date has been confirmed.
Political Stakes and the Road Ahead
Critics argue that the Senate has already assumed jurisdiction over the case and should stop delaying. Some senators, however, want the complaint dismissed without trial. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a Duterte ally, previously introduced a resolution citing the Senate’s 100-day rule to avoid moving forward with the trial. That effort failed to gain traction.
President Marcos Jr., for his part, has distanced himself from the proceedings, stating the matter rests with the legislative branch.
Whether the Senate proceeds or dismisses the case will shape the next phase of Duterte’s political life. A conviction would bar her from holding any public office, while a dismissal could boost her standing among loyal supporters. Regardless of outcome, the trial has already reshaped the national conversation about political accountability, dynastic power, and the future of Philippine democracy.
The coming days will be crucial. If the House panel delivers its reply on schedule, the Senate will soon have to act. Every next step carries lasting consequences.
