Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senators seek Duterte defense on dropped impeachment articles
Several senator-judges have urged Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team to present their case on two abandoned impeachment articles despite prosecutors withdrawing charges. The development comes after the prosecution dropped pursuit of Articles I and IV, which alleged misuse of confidential funds and grave threats.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A number of senator-judges expressed optimism Wednesday that Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel would still have the opportunity to address impeachment Articles I and IV, despite prosecutors announcing they would no longer pursue the charges.
The prosecution confirmed on Tuesday that it was withdrawing from two of the articles leveled against the Vice President. Article I concerns allegations of misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, while Article IV relates to accusations of grave threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The senator-judges indicated during Wednesday's proceedings that they believe Duterte's defense team should be afforded the chance to respond to the abandoned charges, rather than having the matter summarily dismissed. Legal observers noted that allowing both sides to present arguments on all articles, even those prosecutors no longer wish to pursue, could strengthen the procedural foundation of the impeachment trial.
The development marks a significant shift in the high-profile impeachment case, which has drawn substantial public attention and scrutiny. The trial continues as the remaining articles under consideration move forward in the Senate.