The Impeachment Court on Tuesday allowed the prosecution panel to drop three of the four articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, leaving only Article II, which accuses the Vice President of amassing unexplained wealth.
Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero made the ruling after the prosecution panel formally submitted the motion during the 29th day of the impeachment trial against the Vice President.
“The prosecution had formally abandoned, consistent with the respondent and the people’s right to speedy disposition of cases under Article III, Section 16 of the Constitution. Given the foregoing, the Court accepts and confirms the prosecution’s manifestation,” Escudero said.
Article I accused the Vice President of the misuse of confidential funds, Article III concerned the alleged bribery of Department of Education officials, and Article IV addressed grave threats allegedly made by the Vice President against President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former speaker Martin Romualdez.