Prosecutors drop three impeachment charges against Philippine VP Duterte 

October 13, 2026 3:40 AM EDT

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte speaks to the media at the House of Representatives, in Quezon City, Philippines, November 25, 2024. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MANILA, Oct 13 (Reuters) - The ‌Philippine Senate, ​sitting as ​an impeachment court, approved the prosecution's withdrawal of most of the charges against Vice President Sara Duterte on ‌Tuesday, in a trial that could kill her hopes ⁠to run for president in 2028.

• Prosecutors have been presenting evidence against Duterte ‌since July on charges that ‌she betrayed public trust, amassed unexplained wealth, violated the constitution, and committed graft, bribery and other high crimes.

• Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro ​told the court on Tuesday that they sought to withdraw three of the four charges and leave the allegations of ⁠unexplained wealth as the sole remaining issue for senators to rule on.

• Luistro said the ​evidence presented by prosecutors was already "substantial and compelling" to remove Duterte from office.

• The prosecution withdrew charges accusing ​her of misusing confidential funds, bribery, ‌and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady, and a former House speaker.

• Focusing on ⁠a single charge would substantially narrow the issues before the court, offering practical benefits for the Senate, the respondent and the public, Luistro said.

• Duterte's ⁠office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

• Duterte's lawyer argued ​it was unfair, saying their side would be unable to present its case on the allegations that have been withdrawn.

• The impeachment court earlier ruled that ‌only senator-judges capable of participating in the trial would be counted in the vote for conviction, ‌making it easier to reach the two-thirds majority needed to secure a ⁠guilty verdict.

• If convicted, Duterte ‌may be disqualified ​from running for public office, including the presidency in 2028.

(Reporting by Nestor Corrales and Mikhail Flores; Editing by ‌David Stanway)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters