Philippine Prosecutors Drop 3 Impeachment Charges Against VP Sara Duterte
Prosecutors aim to expedite the trial by focusing on the remaining charge of unexplained wealth, which they deem sufficient for conviction.
Philippine prosecutors have dropped three of four impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, a move intended to accelerate her ongoing trial. The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, approved the decision on Tuesday.
Prosecutors stated that the remaining allegation of unexplained wealth is sufficient grounds for conviction. "By focusing on one article, the matters requiring the impeachment court’s consideration are correspondingly narrowed with practical benefits for the Senate, the respondent and even the public," said Rep. Gerville Luistro, head of the prosecution team. Dropping the three charges means 32 witnesses will no longer be required to testify.
Duterte's legal team criticized the move, deeming it "completely unfair" as prosecutors had already addressed two of the dropped charges in public hearings, exposing the Vice President to damaging claims. The House of Representatives, largely composed of allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., impeached Duterte in May. The charges included alleged unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential state funds, bribery, and a public threat against the president and other officials.
Duterte has broadly denied all accusations. Her public trial commenced in July amidst a significant political rift with President Marcos, despite their alliance during the 2022 elections. The remaining charge contends that Duterte possessed unexplained wealth that she failed to declare and that she and her husband held prohibited business interests. Prosecutors have presented testimony from anti-money laundering, tax, banking, and insurance officials to support these claims.
If found guilty, Duterte could face a permanent ban from public office. She has declared her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections. She is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing charges from the International Criminal Court related to his anti-drug campaign and remains in ICC custody in the Netherlands, with his trial set to begin on November 30. The Vice President has accused Marcos and his administration of orchestrating her father's arrest and transfer to the ICC.