Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly stated she anticipates an impeachment complaint to be lodged against her next month, forecasting that the effort will mirror previous attempts by becoming a fundraising mechanism for members of the House of Representatives. In a candid interview on January 19, 2026, Duterte remarked that the process would be all about money, echoing her skepticism about the motives behind such political moves.
Constitutional Timeline and Political Preparations
Reports indicate that another impeachment complaint could be filed against Duterte once the constitutionally mandated one-year ban expires in February 2026. This ban was established following the Supreme Court's nullification of earlier proceedings, which cited violations of constitutional rules. The activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has been actively preparing to refile a complaint as soon as the prohibition lapses on February 5, 2026.
House and Activist Perspectives
House Public Accounts Panel Chairperson Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro Party-list acknowledged the possibility of a new complaint being submitted in February, even as the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on an appeal related to its previous decision. Meanwhile, Bayan Chairperson Teddy Casiño revealed in a December 2025 interview that additional groups might join the impeachment effort, using the Supreme Court ruling as a guideline for their strategy.
Background of Previous Complaints
Multiple impeachment complaints have been filed against Vice President Duterte since December 2024, alleging various offenses including corruption, misuse of confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. One notable complaint accused her of misusing funds during her tenure as education secretary and referenced alleged extrajudicial killings and controversial remarks against national leaders.
By February 2025, a fourth complaint had garnered support from 215 House members and was transmitted to the Senate for further action. However, the Supreme Court intervened on July 25, 2025, nullifying the impeachment on grounds of violating the Constitution's one-year bar rule. Subsequently, the Senate archived the case in August 2025, putting a temporary halt to the proceedings.
Palace Response and Broader Implications
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. has stressed the importance of applying the same level of scrutiny to any new complaints against the Vice President as was used in the flood control investigation. Castro added that the President upholds principles of accountability and will respect the impeachment process, ensuring it follows legal protocols.
Related Complaint Against President Marcos
When questioned about an impeachment complaint filed against President Marcos, Vice President Duterte chose not to comment, suggesting that the public would observe her response in due time. The complaint against Marcos, filed by Atty. Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party-list Representative Jett Nisay, accuses the President of graft, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. It cites alleged kickbacks from flood control projects and his involvement in the transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This unfolding political drama highlights the ongoing tensions within the Philippine government, with impeachment processes serving as a focal point for debates over accountability, constitutional adherence, and political fundraising. As February approaches, all eyes will be on the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court to see how these legal and political battles evolve.
