The Senate impeachment court in the Philippines accepted the prosecution’s withdrawal of three articles against Vice President Sara Duterte on October 13, 2026. Presiding Officer Francis Escudero confirmed the court’s acceptance of the prosecution’s request to remove charges related to confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats.
The remaining charge against Duterte is the unexplained wealth allegation. The court will now proceed with the final phase of the impeachment trial. The prosecution had previously submitted a motion to withdraw the three articles, citing the need to focus on the remaining charge.
This marks a significant shift in the proceedings, as the trial now centers solely on the unexplained wealth charge. The court will continue to hear arguments and evidence related to this specific article. The trial has been ongoing for 39 days, with multiple sessions dedicated to reviewing the charges against Duterte.
The impeachment process against Duterte, the wife of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been a high-profile political event. The charges against her include allegations of misuse of public funds and corruption. The trial has drawn widespread attention, with legal experts and political analysts closely following the developments.
The court’s decision to accept the withdrawal of three articles reflects the prosecution’s strategy to streamline the case. However, the remaining charge remains a critical point of contention. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Duterte’s political future and the broader political landscape in the Philippines.
