Prosecution panel hesitates on dropping bribery charge against Vice President Sara Duterte

During a press briefing, Gerville Luistro of the House prosecution panel confirmed that members are discussing the possibility of removing the bribery charge—Article 3—from the impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, but no official motion has been submitted to the Senate impeachment court. The allegation involves alleged monetary gifts to Department of Education officials to bypass procurement rules. Luistro asserted that the panel’s evidence across all four articles—grave threats, misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and bribery—is complete and compelling.

He added that any decision to drop the bribery count is driven by a desire to expedite the proceedings for the public’s benefit. The impeachment trial, now in its 33rd day since beginning on July 6, continues amid these internal deliberations.