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

Vice President Sara Duterte faces legal battles on two different fronts: a criminal case and impeachment proceedings. However, the principle of “double jeopardy” will not apply as the two are distinct processes, impeachment spokesperson Reginald Tongol clarified on Sunday. 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, have led to her legal troubles on two separate paths. “The principle of ‘double jeopardy’ does not apply,” Tongol told reporters. “Double jeopardy strictly applies to successive criminal proceedings.” He further emphasized that 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,” distinguishing it from regular courts. Tongol also pointed out 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.” 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. This followed the court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against her on Friday. These developments, Tongol said, “have absolutely zero legal implication on the ongoing impeachment trial.” He added, “They do not legally alter, pause, or dictate the Impeachment Court’s timeline.” If convicted before the Impeachment Court, Duterte will be removed from office and barred from holding any public post. She is the first to announce her presidential bid. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo