Prosecution presents wealth evidence in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA – Prosecutors advancing charges against Vice President Sara Duterte shifted focus to allegations of ill-gotten wealth during the 24th day of her impeachment trial before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

The prosecution team began presenting evidence on Article II of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of accumulating assets that far exceed her declared lawful income. The charges also include allegations that she filed incomplete or inaccurate Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) during the three-year period from 2022 through 2024.

The trial, entering its tenth week, represents a pivotal phase in the proceedings as prosecutors transition from earlier arguments to detailed documentation of financial records. The presentation of evidence on the wealth accumulation charge is expected to form a substantial portion of the case against the Vice President.

The Article II charges represent some of the most serious allegations in the impeachment complaint, addressing questions about the source and legitimacy of Duterte's accumulated wealth. The Senate impeachment court must weigh the prosecution's evidence before determining whether grounds exist to sustain any of the charges brought against the nation's second-highest elected official.