Layout by: Monique Baban
Published by: Jannah Pauline Beldad
Date Published: October 17, 2026
Time Published: 7:21 PM
The Senate impeachment court on October 13, 2026, accepted the prosecution panel’s withdrawal of three charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, leaving the alleged unexplained wealth charge as the sole remaining article.
The decision followed the prosecution panel’s announcement that it would pursue only Article II of the impeachment complaint.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, the panel’s lead prosecutor, said the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to support the remaining charge and seek Duterte’s removal from office for alleged constitutional violations and betrayal of public trust.
The three withdrawn articles involved the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery of Department of Education (DepEd) officials, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, including allegations involving an assassination plot and inciting to sedition.
The remaining charge concerns Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth, including questions about her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and business interests.
Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero ruled that senators would no longer vote on the withdrawn articles and that Duterte’s defense would not be required to present evidence against those charges.
He also ruled that the withdrawn articles on confidential funds and grave threats could not be revived against Duterte during the same term and the 20th Congress.
The bribery article was withdrawn without prejudice, subject to the court’s ruling on the possibility of pursuing it separately.
However, lead defense counsel Sheila Sison criticized the prosecution’s move, arguing that it deprived the defense of a fair opportunity to respond to allegations already presented during the proceedings.
She maintained that due process requires the respondent to have the opportunity to be heard and challenge the evidence against her.
Luistro defended the decision, citing the prosecution’s assessment of the evidence, the public’s growing impatience with the lengthy trial, and the senators’ legislative responsibilities.
She also referred to the 2011 impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, during which the prosecution withdrew certain articles.
Meanwhile, the court relaxed the sub judice rule, which restricts public discussion of matters under judicial consideration, concerning the withdrawn articles.
The decision allows greater leeway for public responses to those allegations, although the defense raised objections and cited an existing court restriction concerning the grave-threat allegations.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to resume proceedings on November 9, 2026, when Duterte’s defense is expected to present its evidence and witnesses.
Duterte and her camp have denied the allegations against her, while the remaining unexplained wealth charge continues to be the focus of the impeachment proceedings.
REFERENCES:
Bernardo, J. (2026, October 13). Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Prosecution drops 3 articles, retains unexplained wealth charge. ABS-CBN News. https://share.google/upyGYN8yo0dSKSCGY
Clores, K. (2026, October 13). Impeachment court approves prosec’s move to drop 3 of 4 charges vs VP. Inquirer. https://share.google/kzen4boVCQR14kxDl
Panti, L. T. (2026, October 13). Senate court allows prosecution to drop 3 impeachment articles vs. Sara Duterte. GMA News Online. https://share.google/WtiQRsqsEn6EA2vge
