(Photo from Screengrab on Impeachment Trial)
The House prosecution panel has moved to withdraw three impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, choosing to concentrate on Article II, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth.
During the Senate impeachment trial on Tuesday, October 13, lead House prosecutor Gerville Luistro announced the prosecution’s decision to narrow its case, saying the move would simplify the proceedings and allow the impeachment court to focus on a single charge.
“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,” Luistro said.
She maintained that the prosecution had already presented sufficient evidence to support Article II independently of the other impeachment articles.
“The prosecution presented sufficient evidence for Article 2 to stand on its own. All in po tayo rito,” Luistro declared.
The announcement signals a major shift in the prosecution’s approach, with the House panel concentrating its remaining efforts on proving allegations concerning Duterte’s wealth and financial declarations.
The withdrawal of the other articles remains subject to the impeachment court’s action. The prosecution’s decision does not establish wrongdoing, and the allegations under Article II remain to be resolved.
