Duterte Prosecution Seeks to Drop Three Impeachment Articles

On Oct. 13, 2026, the Senate impeachment court approved the prosecution's withdrawal of three of four articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, leaving Article II on unexplained wealth from non-full asset declaration and non-divestment of business. Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro told the court evidence presented since July was substantial and compelling to remove her. Dropped were misuse of confidential funds, bribery of Education officials during her 2022-2024 secretary tenure, and alleged threats against President Marcos Jr., the first lady, and a former House speaker. Bribery was dropped Friday. Luistro said it is never the intention of the prosecution to disregard resources already spent by the court. Duterte told reporters the drop confirmed what she said from the House filing—that accusations lacked evidence—and that without evidence they had to drop them, calling it so-called accountability and daily smear tactics. Her lawyer said it was unfair the defense could not present its case on withdrawn allegations. Prosecutors raised referring bribery to the DOJ and Ombudsman. The court earlier ruled only participating senator-judges count toward conviction. If convicted, Duterte may be disqualified from the 2028 presidency. The remaining charge is unresolved.