FACT-CHECK: TikTok user splices journalist’s report on impeachment

CLAIM: Journalist Karen Davila reporting that Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment is invalid.

RATING: FALSE

A TikTok user uploaded a spliced clip making journalist Karen Davila appear to state that Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment was invalid.

The video contains the text “invalid impeachment,” followed by an unrelated clip of people partying outdoors.

The original video was taken on Feb. 13 from an interview over ANC with former Supreme Court justice Adolfo Azcuna, who was invited to share his insights on the impeachment proceedings.

Davila’s statement, which was only a question for Azcuna, can be seen from 11:50 in the video.
“So, if the Senate president only takes his oath in the 20th congress after June 30, does that mean invalid na ang impeachment na ipinasa sa senado?” she asked.

(Kung ang pangulo ng senado ay manunumpa lamang sa ika-20 Kongreso pagkatapos ng Hunyo 30, ibig sabihin ba ay walang bisa ang impeachment na ipinasa sa senado?)

Duterte was impeached on Feb. 5, 2025 by the House of Representatives, garnering 215 signatures, and is awaiting trial before the Senate. 

Senate President Francis Escudero announced the Senate’s proposed impeachment timeline in a press conference, emphasizing that the trial would commence after the congressional recess.

As of this writing, Duterte is still actively performing her duties as vice president and has not been officially removed from office. 

The TikTok video drew 349,700 views, 13,100 likes, 950 comments, and 430 shares. Michael Hermoso – Bautista

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