Politics · Philippines Bureau
Luistro: Impeachment outcome hinged on Duterte's participation in trial
Lead public prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro acknowledged that the decision to dismiss three of four impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte might have proceeded differently had she demonstrated interest in defending herself at trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The principal prosecution lawyer in the impeachment case suggested Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte's lack of engagement with the proceedings influenced the outcome of her trial before the Senate.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, who served as lead public prosecutor, indicated during a media briefing that the eventual dismissal of three out of four Articles of Impeachment could have taken a different course had the Vice President actively participated in her defense.
Luistro's comments came in response to questions about the reasoning behind the decision to withdraw several charges against Duterte. The revelation underscores the significance of an accused's involvement in impeachment proceedings and how their level of engagement may factor into prosecutorial decisions.
The Vice President faced four impeachment articles following her public row with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this year. The Senate ultimately voted to dismiss the majority of charges, leaving only one article to proceed.
The case marked a significant political development in the Philippines, drawing attention to the impeachment process and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches during a period of heightened political tension.