Key facts
- Philippine Senate prosecutors withdrew charges of betraying public trust, bribery, and violating the constitution against VP Sara Duterte.
- The sole remaining charge against Duterte concerns unexplained wealth.
- Duterte could be disqualified from running for public office, including the presidency in 2028, if convicted.
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. Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro told the court that they sought to withdraw three of the four charges, leaving only allegations of unexplained wealth as the sole remaining issue for senators to rule on.
Prosecutors had 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. The withdrawn charges accused her of misusing confidential funds, bribery, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady, and a former House speaker.
Luistro stated that focusing on a single charge would substantially narrow the issues before the court, offering practical benefits for the Senate, the respondent, and the public. He also said the evidence presented was already "substantial and compelling" to remove Duterte from office.