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House prosecutors consider dropping bribery charge against VP Duterte

The House impeachment panel is exploring a strategic shift to streamline proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte by potentially setting aside bribery allegations and focusing instead on unexplained wealth accusations.

LSN Philippines · 3 September 2026

MANILA — House prosecutors are considering dropping the bribery case against Vice President Sara Duterte in a tactical maneuver aimed at accelerating the ongoing impeachment trial, according to Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro, who leads the prosecution panel.

The proposed shift would narrow the scope of charges to focus on allegations of unexplained wealth rather than bribery, potentially allowing the proceedings to move forward more expeditiously. Luistro said the panel was deliberating the strategic approach to streamline what has become a protracted legal battle.

The potential dismissal of bribery charges would represent a significant narrowing of the impeachment case against the Vice President. The move reflects prosecutors' efforts to consolidate their arguments and concentrate resources on the remaining accusations.

The impeachment trial against Duterte has drawn substantial public attention as a high-profile constitutional proceeding. The House prosecution's tactical recalibration underscores ongoing debates over the scope and direction of the case as it progresses through the legislative process.