THE RISE OF TRUTH: A Tribute to the Supreme Court’s Historic Nullification of the Impeachment Against Vice President Sara Duterte

 By Atty. Arnedo S. Valera

In the face of grave challenges, malicious falsehoods, and brazen abuse of power, the Honorable Supreme Court of the Philippines has once again affirmed that our Constitution is not a mere ornament of democracy—it is the bedrock of justice, reason, and national dignity.

The Court’s just and patriotic decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte unconstitutional and void is a triumph—not merely for one public leader, but for the entire Filipino nation. It is a resolute stand against political weaponization, slander, and the calculated efforts of a powerful few to unseat a duly elected official outside the boundaries of due legal process.

This landmark ruling asserts a fundamental truth: impeachment is not a plaything for those lusting for power. It is a solemn constitutional mechanism that must be grounded in irrefutable evidence, conducted through proper legal procedures, and faithful to the spirit of democratic governance. It must never be reduced to a tool of coercion or political persecution, but upheld as a final recourse in cases of manifest and grave violations of law—not the whims of partisan ambition.

The value of this decision cannot be overstated. Amid deceitful narratives and a systematic assault on the pillars of government, the Supreme Court has proven that justice neither sleeps nor bows to pressure. Through its courage and wisdom, the Court has safeguarded the sacred balance of powers and halted a blatant attempt to dismantle the constitutional office of the Vice Presidency—an institution born of our fundamental law and a voice of millions of Filipino voters.

As President of SDS NY and Hakbang ng Maisug USA, I raise my voice in full-hearted tribute to this wise and courageous judgment. For those who champion the rule of law and authentic leadership, this decision is a source of strength. For those who attempted to twist justice for selfish ends, it is a stark warning: the Constitution is not yours to manipulate.

This victory must renew our faith in our democratic institutions. Above all, it is a powerful reminder that democracy lives, breathes, and persists—and that the Supreme Court of the Philippines stands as its vigilant guardian: independent, just, and loyal to the Filipino people.

Ultimately, this decision is not only for Vice President Sara Duterte. It is for the Filipino people—for all who continue to stand, to resist, and to hope in the light of truth.

Long live justice! Long live the Supreme Court of the Philippines! Long live our democracy!

Atty. Arnedo S. Valera is the executive director of the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation and managing attorney at Valera & Associates, a U.S.-based immigration and anti-discrimination law firm for over 32 years. He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs and International Law and Human Rights from Columbia University and was trained at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Ateneo de Manila University and his AB Philosophy degree from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He teaches International Security and Alliances at the San Beda Graduate School of Law (LL.M. Program).