OPINION: They’re still pushing the impeachment now because by 2026, the votes, the money, and the political cover will be gone

OPINION | BY ROB RANCES

They’re still pushing the impeachment now because by 2026, the votes, the money, and the political cover will be gone.

I. LESSONS THEY REFUSE TO LEARN

The impeachment fiasco was supposed to be Romualdez’s show of force. Instead, it became a political boomerang.

Out of the 215 lawmakers who proudly signed, nearly 100 had to defend their seats in the midterms—and many came back bruised. Voters remembered. Campaign trails echoed “Hindi kami tanga. We know when you’re fighting for power, not for us.”

The backlash was math in its precision. Margins narrowed, “safe” districts became battlegrounds, and the impeachment became a scarlet letter in local races.

II. SUPREME COURT & SENATE: BACK-TO-BACK BLOWS

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling didn’t just declare the 2025 impeachment unconstitutional—it stripped Romualdez of moral leverage. And the 19-4-1 Senate vote to archive the complaint turned the House’s overreach into a public embarrassment, proving the Upper Chamber could act as a constitutional firewall.

Now, the SC’s one-year bar rule ensures no new complaint can be filed until February 2026. Try earlier, and it’s dead on arrival.

III. STILL, THEY PUSH

Despite these setbacks, the House has filed a Motion for Reconsideration to challenge the SC ruling.

The Speaker’s allies, even joined by Pinklawans and Makabayan reps, are floating threats of impeaching SC justices—framing the Court and Senate’s actions as a “loss” in the war for accountability.

Really? Only the 8080s will still think this is about accountability. Everyone knows conviction in the Senate is virtually impossible. So, what’s the real target? Demolition—Sara Duterte’s reputation and her 2028 presidential bid.

Without destroying her standing, the LBM bloc, Pinklawans, and Makabayan know they cannot match the Duterte-aligned bloc’s political base.

IV. THE HOUSE NUMBERS PROBLEM

Yes, Romualdez had a supermajority for his Speakership, but that will not translate into impeachment signatures in 2026. Lawmakers know the political suicide it represents after the midterm backlash.

Add to that the whispers of P150 million alleged greasing for each signature—and the reality that securing similar budgetary backing in 2026 will be far harder.

V. A PEOPLE’S PROTEST THAT NEEDS NO TRIAL

What the impeachment architects fail to see is that the people’s stand is not mere loyalty to Duterte. It’s a broader protest against power overreach and corruption in broad daylight. Hindi na nga halos kailangan pa ng imbestigation kasi harap-harapan nakikita ng taumbayan.

And every renewed attempt to bulldoze through an impeachment only fuels public resolve whether in the ballot or in the streets.

VI. WHY 2026 WILL STILL FAIL

• Impossible Senate conviction – the numbers and loyalties aren’t there.
• Fractured House – survival instinct trumps political orders.
• Dwindling resources – the budgetary appetite for another circus? Tingnan natin kung makakalusot pa rin.
• Public memory – 2025 is still fresh, and 2028 looms large.

👊 POWER PUNCH

Tayong totoong taumbayan are done with those in power who twist the law and weaponize institutions without consequence.

This impeachment wasn’t a victory for them—it has clearly become the people’s warning shot.

Push again in 2026, and it won’t just fail.
It will mark the beginning of the end for those who still think power is greater than the people.

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OPINION | BY ROB RANCES

Disclaimer: This piece is an opinion based on publicly available information, election results, and recent political developments. It does not accuse any individual of illegal acts without due process and is intended solely for public discourse and democratic debate.