The battle over Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment isn’t over just yet.
On Monday, the House of Representatives formally asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent decision that declared the impeachment move against Duterte unconstitutional. In a strongly worded statement, lawmakers stressed that the appeal is not an act of defiance—but a defense of democracy and accountability.
“With utmost respect for the Constitution, in defense of institutional balance, and in the name of the Filipino people whom we are sworn to represent, the House of Representatives today filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Supreme Court of the Philippines,” the statement read.
The House maintained that it is not challenging the authority of the Court, but standing firm in its belief that all public officials—including the Vice President—must remain accountable.
“This is not an act of defiance or disrespect,” it added. “It is an exercise in constitutional stewardship—an affirmation that every branch must act with fidelity to the Charter that gives us all our power. We act not to provoke a clash of institutions, but to prevent the erosion of the people’s right to accountability.”
The Supreme Court earlier junked the impeachment case, ruling that the charges against Duterte did not meet the constitutional threshold. But House leaders insist the High Court’s ruling risks setting a dangerous precedent that could weaken the checks and balances essential to Philippine democracy.
The political and legal tug-of-war now shifts to whether the justices will reconsider their verdict—or if the House’s push for accountability hits a dead end.