Philippine Senate remands Duterte’s impeachment case, sparking political turmoil.

Posted by ReyFort Media

June 11, 2025 – MANILA/CANADA/USA

In a stunning turn of events, on June 10 (Canadian time), the Philippine Senate convened as an impeachment court to hear allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte—but abruptly returned the case to the House of Representatives, citing “legal uncertainties” and procedural concerns  .

Duterte was impeached by the lower House in February on grave charges—ranging from large-scale corruption, budget irregularities, and unexplained wealth accumulation to accusations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and the House Speaker  . A conviction would bar her from public office for life, effectively hindering any presidential ambitions ahead of the 2028 election  .

Senate Stuns with Split Vote: 18–5 to Return Complaint

Led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, 18 senators voted to remand the impeachment articles back to the House, while five dissented—expressing alarm that the delay undermined the constitutional duty to try and decide  .

Supporters of the motion argue it safeguards legal integrity, ensuring that the complaint’s constitutionality is vetted, particularly regarding whether it improperly consolidated multiple complaints—a potential violation of the one-impeachment-per-year rule .

Political Chess or Constitutional Safeguard?

House prosecutors responded swiftly on June 11 (Canada time), stating that jurisdiction had already shifted to the Senate once it issued a summons—making any return ineffective at stopping the trial  . Congresswoman Gerville Luistro emphasized, “No one can stop this anymore,” citing clear constitutional compliance on the House’s part  .

However, critics—including Senator Risa Hontiveros—warned that the Senate’s action could amount to a constitutional betrayal, accusing lawmakers of dodging accountability  . The Catholic Bishops Conference echoed this sentiment, calling the delay a breach of public trust  .

Public Outcry and Political Fallout

Outside the Senate chambers in Pasay City, hundreds of protesters gathered—branding senators “cowards” and “traitors”—crying foul over what they perceive as a deliberate stall tactic orchestrated by Duterte’s allies  .

Legal experts and religious leaders lament the move as politically motivated, warning it may deepen the polarization engulfing President Marcos Jr.’s administration and the Duterte political clan  .

Next Steps: Certification or Delay?

Senate President Escudero maintains the strategy won’t derail the trial, pointing to a summons formally issued for Duterte to respond when proceedings resume  . The Senate has asked the House to certify that the impeachment was legally processed—but there’s no indication the lower chamber will acquiesce immediately.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s camp continues denying wrongdoing, arguing the impeachment is a blatant political weaponization aimed at sabotaging her quest for the presidency  .

Why This Matters

1. For Duterte – A conviction could end her political career and preclude a 2028 presidential run.
2. For Marcos Jr. – The trial and its outcome could shape his administration’s narrative, as he seeks to consolidate power and preserve his legacy.
3. For Philippine democracy – The saga tests the robustness of constitutional checks, the impartiality of impeachment mechanisms, and public trust in institutions.

In summary, the surprise remand of the impeachment case has turned what seemed to be a straightforward political showdown into a protracted constitutional puzzle. The House must now decide whether to comply with certification demands or resist—potentially triggering a prolonged stalemate. Either way, the political drama shows no signs of letting up.