Duterte's Legal Team Warns Partial Withdrawal of Charges Could Trigger Mistrial

MANILA — Atty. Sheila Sison, principal counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte, cautioned the impeachment court on Tuesday that permitting the prosecution to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment could result in a mistrial and violate the respondent's constitutional rights.

In her manifestation before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, Sison argued that allowing such a partial withdrawal after evidence has already been presented would effectively prevent Duterte from adequately countering the prosecution's case. She stressed that the respondent must have the full opportunity to mount a comprehensive defense against all charges originally filed.

The legal position centers on the principle that withdrawing charges mid-proceeding—particularly after testimony and evidence have been introduced—creates a fundamentally unfair situation where the defense cannot properly address the full scope of accusations. Sison emphasized that the prosecution cannot unilaterally alter the case parameters once proceedings are underway.

The impeachment trial has become a closely watched political and legal proceeding, with significant implications for presidential succession and legislative oversight powers. The Senate's handling of the case will set precedent for future impeachment proceedings in the Philippines.