Key Facts

• The Philippine Supreme Court blocked an impeachment trial against Vice-President Sara Duterte.
• The lower house of Philippine parliament voted to impeach her in February.
• Duterte was accused of misusing public funds and threatening to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
• The court stated the impeachment attempt broke a rule against having more than one impeachment in a single year.
• The decision means Duterte cannot face an impeachment trial before February 2026.
• The ruling gives Duterte more time to gather support for a potential future presidential campaign.
• The Supreme Court mainly consists of judges appointed by Duterte's father.
• Impeachment processes are rare in the Philippines, with only one successful since 1986.