Defense says impeachment evidence will proceed despite three charges being dropped

During the ongoing impeachment trial, House lead prosecutor and Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro indicated that the prosecution will drop three of the four articles filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. The dismissed charges relate to grave threats, misuse of confidential funds and bribery, leaving only the allegation of undisclosed assets and undeclared business interests. Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison, speaking on Day 39, said the defense will continue to present its evidence as planned, arguing that the prosecution cannot benefit from its accusations without bearing the burden of proof.

She stressed respect for the prosecution’s decision but clarified that it does not dictate the defense’s strategy. The trial now focuses solely on whether Duterte failed to fully declare her wealth, a point the defense intends to contest with its own evidence.