Manila: The House of Representatives on Monday sought a review from the Supreme Court (SC) to reassess and amend its decision that nullified the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez emphasized that the House has filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Supreme Court, asserting this move as a duty rather than defiance. Romualdez stated that the appeal aims to address factual inaccuracies and retroactive procedural demands by the Supreme Court, which he argued, undermines the Constitution and the public’s right to hold high officials accountable.

Romualdez highlighted the exclusive power of the House in initiating impeachment cases, as stipulated in the Constitution, stating that this power should neither be shared nor conditional. He criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling in G.R. No. 278353 as a misinterpretation of facts and an improper imposition of new rules.

He further clarified that the appeal is intended to safeguard the public’s right to accountability rather than instigate a conflict between institutions. He explained the House’s compliance with the constitutional 10-session day limit when transmitting the fourth impeachment complaint to the Senate on February 5, 2025, asserting the validity of only one initiation.

Addressing concerns about due process, Romualdez pointed out that the Constitution does not require the Vice President to be given a chance to respond before the transmittal of the complaint. He argued that the trial and the right to be heard occur in the Senate.

Romualdez asserted that no government branch should set the limits of its own accountability, emphasizing the need for checks and balances. He expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s role in defining impeachment rules, which could potentially shield it from future accountability.

The 70-page motion filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on behalf of the House highlighted the House’s constitutional duty to prosecute impeachable officials and the Senate’s role in conducting the trial. The motion requested the Supreme Court to allow Congress to fulfill its constitutional obligations without political bias.

The House urged the Supreme Court to reverse its July 25, 2025 decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution and ensuring accountability to the people, the ultimate sovereign.