Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution argues people are true victims in Duterte impeachment case
As Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team frames her as victimized following the withdrawal of most impeachment charges, prosecutors contend that ordinary Filipinos remain the real victims in the ongoing case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Prosecutors pushing forward with impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte rejected characterizations that she has been unfairly treated, asserting instead that the Filipino people are the genuine victims in the matter.
Lorna Kapunan, lead counsel for the prosecution team, made the argument during a press briefing Tuesday following the day's impeachment trial proceedings. The statement came after Duterte's legal representatives withdrew three of four articles of impeachment against the Vice President.
Kapunan's remarks underscored the prosecution's broader strategy of framing the impeachment process as fundamentally about accountability to the public rather than personal grievance. The remaining charge continues to focus on allegations related to Duterte's official conduct.
The development marks a significant turning point in the high-profile impeachment case, which has dominated Philippine political discourse in recent weeks. The trial is expected to continue as the prosecution pursues the remaining article of impeachment before the Senate.