The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QCRTC) dismissed a petition seeking to stop the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, affirming that the judiciary cannot interfere with the constitutional powers of the House of Representatives.

In a five-page decision, Presiding Judge Madonna Echiverri of Branch 81 ruled that courts have no jurisdiction over impeachment matters, emphasizing that the House of Representatives has exclusive authority to initiate such proceedings under Article XI of the Constitution.

The petition was filed by Atty. Manases "Mans" Carpio, husband of Vice President Duterte, sought to block the impeachment process and questioned the actions of the House Committee on Justice, including the issuance of subpoenas.

The court also denied the request for a writ of preliminary injunction, as well as a motion to recognize certain news reports and YouTube videos presented as evidence, which it described as hearsay with no probative value.

Judge Echiverri stressed that the judiciary cannot intervene in actions of a co-equal branch of government, stating that the appropriate forum for such challenges lies within higher judicial review, not a trial court.

The ruling comes after the House Committee on Justice approved the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte, which have now been transmitted to the plenary for voting, with deliberations expected as early as May 11.

The impeachment complaint marks a significant escalation in the political process, while the court’s dismissal reinforces the separation of powers among government branches.