Bribery case against VP Duterte remains viable, says Chua

MANILA — Manila Representative Joel Chua has asserted that bribery allegations leveled against Vice President Sara Duterte continue to hold substantive merit, even as the prosecution panel weighs its litigation strategy.

Chua, serving on the House of Representatives' prosecution panel in the impeachment case, stated during a press briefing that the panel's consideration of deprioritizing the bribery article stems from tactical concerns rather than evidentiary weakness.

The clarification addresses speculation about the status of the bribery charge, one of several accusations against the Vice President. Chua's remarks underscore the panel's intent to focus resources on counts deemed most likely to advance the impeachment case.

The prosecution panel continues deliberations on the scope and sequence of charges to present during impeachment proceedings. Chua emphasized that the decision to prioritize certain articles does not reflect the viability of other allegations under consideration.