Prosecutors Drop 3 Impeachment Charges against Philippine VP Duterte to Speed up Trial

Manila, Philippines (AP) — Philippine prosecutors have dismissed three of four impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, aiming to expedite her ongoing trial. The Philippine Senate, functioning as an impeachment court, approved the decision. However, Duterte's legal team deemed it "completely unfair," citing that the remaining allegation of unexplained wealth is sufficient for conviction.

The House of Representatives, primarily composed of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s supporters, impeached Duterte in May over allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential state funds, bribery, and a public threat to assassinate the president, his wife, and a former House speaker if she were killed due to their political disagreements.

Duterte has consistently denied the accusations. Her trial commenced in July amidst her contentious relationship with Marcos. The two highest-ranking officials were partners in the 2022 elections, but their partnership quickly disintegrated. "We believe that evidence is substantial and compelling and warrants the respondent's removal from office for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust," Rep. Gerville Luistro, leading the prosecution, told the impeachment court while explaining the decision to withdraw three charges.

"By concentrating on one article, the matters requiring the impeachment court's consideration are correspondingly narrowed, yielding practical benefits for the Senate, the respondent, and the public." The removal of charges means that 32 witnesses will no longer need to testify, according to Luistro. The remaining charge asserts that Duterte possessed unexplained wealth, which she failed to declare as mandated by law, along with her husband prohibited business interests.

Prosecutors have called upon anti-money laundering and tax officials, banking and insurance representatives to substantiate these claims. If found guilty, Duterte could face a lifetime ban from public service. She has announced her intention to contest the presidency in the 2028 elections. She is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was apprehended last year under the International Criminal Court's orders for alleged crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign during his tenure.

He remains under ICC custody in the Netherlands, with his trial set to commence on November 30. Duterte has blamed Marcos and his administration for her father's arrest and extradition to the ICC.