House prosecutors drop most charges against VP Duterte in risky strategy shift

MANILA — Prosecutors in the House of Representatives have chosen to pursue only one of four impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, a decision that experts and advocacy groups characterize as a high-stakes gamble with uncertain consequences.

The withdrawal of three charges—including allegations involving the misuse of confidential and intelligence funds—means those matters may never receive full legislative scrutiny, according to analysts familiar with impeachment procedures. The move has prompted questions about the prosecution team's strategy and confidence in their remaining case.

Legal observers describe the narrowed approach as an all-or-nothing bet that could either strengthen the prosecution's position by focusing resources on a single, potentially stronger charge, or backfire by allowing multiple allegations to escape formal adjudication. Public administration experts have raised concerns that the decision sets a problematic precedent for handling accusations of government fund mismanagement.

Advocacy groups have expressed particular disappointment that questions surrounding the use of confidential and intelligence funds—matters traditionally subject to limited public disclosure—will remain outside the impeachment process, potentially denying Congress a venue to address such concerns through formal proceedings.