Politics · Philippines Bureau
House prosecutors consider dropping bribery charge in Duterte impeachment trial
House prosecutors are weighing whether to drop the bribery article against Vice President Sara Duterte as they seek to accelerate her ongoing impeachment proceedings. Private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said Saturday that no final decision has been reached on the matter.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — House prosecutors have not yet decided whether to drop the bribery article in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte as they explore options to expedite the trial, according to private prosecutor Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr.
Tolosa said Saturday that prosecutors are conducting a comprehensive review of the bribery article along with their remaining witnesses as part of their broader trial strategy. The assessment comes amid ongoing impeachment proceedings that have drawn significant public attention since their commencement earlier this year.
The potential removal of the bribery charge would represent a notable development in the case, which centers on allegations related to Duterte's conduct and statements. Prosecutors have indicated they are prioritizing efficiency in the trial process while ensuring thorough examination of evidence and testimony.
No timeline has been announced for when prosecutors will finalize their decision on the bribery article. The House of Representatives, which initiated the impeachment case, continues to oversee the proceedings as they advance through the constitutional process.