The House prosecution panel has dropped the bribery charge against Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial before the Senate Impeachment Court.
The decision concerns Article III of the impeachment complaint, which contains the bribery charge against Duterte.
House Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro said the prosecution’s responsibility is to follow the evidence and pursue the allegations with sufficient basis.
Luistro said the prosecution remains committed to completing the impeachment case without unnecessary delays and expressed confidence in the evidence it has presented and is scheduled to present.
She said the prosecution had made clear from the beginning that it would not unnecessarily prolong the trial, particularly as the public has been waiting for answers.
The prosecution’s evidence involving confidential funds and grave threats has been presented to the impeachment court, while the presentation concerning unexplained wealth remains ongoing.
The decision to drop the bribery charge means the prosecution will no longer pursue Article III as part of its case before the Senate Impeachment Court.
Luistro invoked the constitutional principle that “public office is a public trust,” saying the vice president was entrusted with public funds and authority and should be accountable for how these were used.
She also said the public has the right to clear answers and that it is the prosecution’s duty to present evidence and complete the case.
The House prosecution panel’s move removes the bribery allegation from the articles it will continue to pursue in the impeachment trial.
The Senate Impeachment Court will continue to consider the evidence presented on the remaining allegations, including confidential funds, grave threats and unexplained wealth.
