A Good Day for Law, Not Politics

ON POINT OPINION

Senate President Tito Sotto recently described the Supreme Court ruling on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as “a sad day.” With due respect, for law students, professors, and practicing lawyers, it is anything but sad—it is a good day. It is a day that reinforces the rule of law and underscores the proper limits of political power.

In a decision authored by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Supreme Court reminded the nation that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism of accountability, not a political weapon. 

Justice Leonen emphasized that impeachment must not be abused to embarrass or obstruct government officials in the lawful exercise of their duties. The Court’s decision followed the rejection of the House of Representatives’ appeal concerning the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte.

Leonen wrote that because impeachment carries profound implications for democracy and public trust, it must be executed with care, conscience, and responsibility. In short, it is not a tool for political vendettas or partisan maneuvering.

Yet, Senate President Sotto’s reaction raises a troubling question: can one who has not endured the rigorous path of legal training including law school, bar examination, and years of legal practice credibly challenge the judgment of the Supreme Court? 

Let us recall the constitutional and professional prerequisites to become a Supreme Court Justice: one must be a natural-born citizen, at least 40 years old, have served as a judge or engaged in law practice for at least 15 years, and possess proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence. If one is not grounded in these qualifications, questioning a Supreme Court ruling is not only legally tenuous—it undermines the very authority of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the political machinery continues to churn. On February 2, 2026, Akbayan Party-list representatives, along with allies from the Liberal Party, filed a second impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. The Makabayan Bloc also endorsed a new complaint. While the House of Representatives and the Senate have important roles crafting laws, approving programs, and serving the public these legislative bodies appear increasingly preoccupied with removing officials elected by the people, rather than delivering tangible benefits to Filipino citizens.

It is worth pausing to reflect: the Constitution grants the President and Vice President immunity from suit while in office, ensuring they can serve the people without undue hindrance. Moreover, the “one-year bar rule” is designed to protect the integrity of elected offices.

 When elected officials become perpetual targets of political maneuvers, the people’s mandate is jeopardized, and governance is paralyzed. Instead of filing successive impeachment complaints, legislators should be drafting laws, initiating programs, and prioritizing vulnerable sectors. 

They should be serving the Filipino people not pursuing power for themselves. Focusing on political revenge while ignoring pressing social needs is not just disappointing it is hypocritical. 

When the legislative branch abandons its duty to the people in favor of political ambition, it loses its claim to honor.

The Supreme Court reminded us that the law matters. Impeachment matters—but only as a serious, accountable, and constitutional measure.

 For those in Congress who continue to wield it as a weapon of political expediency, perhaps it is time to ask: are you serving the people, or simply chasing power?

The answer, as the Supreme Court has made clear, should guide us all.

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail