Sara Duterte faces impeachment, criminal case, but ‘no double jeopardy’

Screenshot of Vice President Sara Duterte during her online press conference on Nov. 23, 2024. Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, Liza, and his cousin, former Rep. Martin Romualdez, made during an online press conference in November 2024, led to her impeachment and criminal case. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte faces cases on similar grounds before two courts, but the principle of “double jeopardy” would still not apply. Impeachment spokesperson Reginald Tongol made this clear on Sunday as Duterte faced a grave threats case before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court and the Senate Impeachment Court. Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, Liza, and his cousin, former Rep. Martin Romualdez, made during an online press conference in November 2024, led to her legal battles on two different fronts. Article continues after this advertisement “The principle of ‘double jeopardy’ does not apply,” Tongol told reporters. “Double jeopardy strictly applies to successive criminal proceedings.” “We are distinct from regular courts; the Impeachment Court is a sui generis (unique) constitutional tribunal with the supreme mandate to determine political accountability and fitness for office, not penal liability,” he continued. Tongol also noted that Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 7 of the 1987 Constitution and a Supreme Court ruling provide that “criminal prosecution can proceed independently of impeachment.” READ: Sara Duterte posts P360,000 bail for three counts of grave threats On Saturday, Duterte personally appeared to post P360,000 bail, or P120,000 each for three counts of grave threats, before Quezon City RTC Branch 98. Article continues after this advertisement Her court appearance came as the court issued an arrest warrant against her on Friday. READ: Sara Duterte posts bail: ‘I don’t trust the court’ Article continues after this advertisement These developments, Tongol said, “have absolutely zero legal implication on the ongoing impeachment trial.” “They do not legally alter, pause, or dictate the Impeachment Court’s timeline,” he said. If convicted before the Impeachment Court, Duterte will be removed from office and barred from holding any public post. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. She is the first one to announce her presidential bid.