Legal scholar says Vice President Duterte may sue impeachment witnesses after article withdrawal
A law professor says Vice President Sara Duterte can file perjury or confidentiality charges against impeachment witnesses now that three articles have been withdrawn.
After the Senate impeachment court accepted the House's move to withdraw three of the four articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, a San Beda University law professor outlined her legal options. Adonis Gabriel said she could file perjury or confidentiality breach charges against the witnesses who testified. He added that an administrative complaint could also be lodged with the Senate to examine whether the senator-judges infringed on defense rights.
Duterte's legal team argues that the withdrawal signals the allegations were unfounded from the start. Lawyer Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. echoed this view, calling the move an admission of baseless claims.
Why it matters
The development could lead to new legal battles that shape the impeachment process and political accountability in the Philippines.
How this story developed
- Oct 10 House prosecutors consider sending VP Sara Duterte bribery case to DOJ and Ombudsman
- Oct 14 The Senate impeachment court approved the withdrawal of three of the four articles, leaving only the unexplained‑wealth charge.
- Oct 15 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated he is not considering appointing a new vice president while the impeachment trial continues.
- Oct 17 The House panel voted to discard three impeachment articles, narrowing the Senate trial to a single charge.
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