Senate Archives Impeachment, Sets Stage for VP’s 2028 Presidential Bid

Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano challenges lawmakers to defeat Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 elections if they don’t want her to be the next president.

Senate Archives Impeachment, Sets Stage for VP’s 2028 Presidential Bid

By Wilma N. Yamzon and Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | August 7, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – In a move widely interpreted as clearing the path for a potential 2028 presidential bid, the Senate has overwhelmingly voted to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The voting, held late Wednesday night (Aug. 6, 2025), effectively ends the threat of removal of Duterte from office and strengthens her position as a leading contender for the country’s highest office.

With a decisive 19-4-1 vote, the Senate approved Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s motion to set aside the impeachment case.

The move effectively shelved the complaint initiated by the House of Representatives.

It came amid rising speculations that Duterte is positioning herself to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2028 elections.

Senate Vote Breakdown

Those who voted YES (Archive) were Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Bong Go, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

NO

Sens. Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Francisco Pangilinan, and Tito Sotto

ABSTAIN

Ping Lacson

The Senate’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as upholding the rule of law while others criticizing it as a politically motivated maneuver.

Imee Suggests House Speaker Ouster

Adding fuel to the political fire, Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of the President, suggested that the House should consider replacing Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The comment, made after her vote to archive the impeachment case, hints at a widening rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps.

Escudero Defends Senate Action

Senate President Chiz Escudero defended the Senate’s decision, stating that he would not allow the chamber to be used as a “playground” for political vendettas.

He stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution and respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

“Are you fighting for truth, or are you simply after revenge? Do you really want a trial, or do you just want a conviction?” Escudero said as he explained his vote.

Legal and Procedural Concerns

Lacson, the only one who abstained from the vote, raised concerns about the procedural correctness of dismissing an impeachment case in the Senate, citing the lack of specific provisions for such a motion in the upper chamber’s impeachment rules.

He pointed out that the House had filed a motion for reconsideration against the SC ruling, urging his colleagues to act cautiously.

Cayetano Questions House’s Motives

Cayetano openly questioned the House, asking if members would act with the same speed and determination if an impeachment complaint were filed against President Marcos Jr.

He further suggested that if the House simply wanted to prevent Duterte from becoming president, they should defeat her in the 2028 election.

Marcoleta: Impeachment ‘Premature’

Marcoleta, the author of the motion to archive the impeachment case, criticized the House’s handling of the impeachment complaint, calling it “premature” and “half-cooked” due to its failure to pass through the House committee on justice before being transmitted to the Senate.

Implications for 2028

The Senate’s decision to archive the impeachment case against Duterte is a significant victory for her and her supporters.

It removes a major obstacle to her potential presidential ambition and positions her as a strong contender for the 2028 election.

The political landscape remains fluid, and the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of Philippine politics.