Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 17, 2026
House prosecutors have narrowed the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte to a single charge involving alleged unexplained wealth, saying the move is intended to shorten the proceedings and allow the Senate impeachment court to focus on the remaining allegations.
On October 13, the Senate impeachment court accepted the prosecution’s decision to withdraw three of the four impeachment articles. The withdrawn charges involved the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The remaining charge, under Article II, concerns allegations that Duterte failed to fully disclose assets and did not divest herself of business interests as required by constitutional rules.
Prosecutors allege ₱817.87 million in unexplained wealth
The prosecution’s financial expert, lawyer and accountant Alexander Cabrera, testified that his analysis identified approximately ₱817.87 million in allegedly unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, from 2022 to 2025.
The estimate was based on available financial records, including bank documents, income tax returns, insurance records, corporate filings and Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. Cabrera said the estimated amount could reach ₱1.5 billion under different assumptions.
The figures form part of the prosecution’s evidence and have not been established as a final finding of liability by the impeachment court. Duterte has disputed the allegations and accused the prosecution of fabricating claims against her.
Prosecutors seek a faster verdict
House prosecutor Joel Chua said on October 17 that dropping three charges was part of a legal strategy to prevent the trial from extending into 2027. Prosecutors said concentrating on the remaining charge would reduce the amount of evidence and testimony the court needs to consider.
The prosecution is preparing its formal offer of documentary and object evidence, which the Senate impeachment court has set for submission by October 23. Prosecutors have indicated they may submit the evidence before the deadline.
The formal offer identifies the exhibits the prosecution wants the court to admit and consider in deciding the case.
Defense prepares its response
Duterte’s defense team has criticized the withdrawal of the three charges, arguing that it limits the vice president’s opportunity to respond to allegations that were already discussed during the proceedings.
Her spokesperson has described the move as unfair, while the defense has indicated it will address the court’s handling of the withdrawn charges. The impeachment court has allowed the defense to present evidence on the remaining Article II charge.
The defense is expected to begin presenting its evidence when the trial resumes on November 9, subject to the court’s handling of the prosecution’s formal offer.
The Senate impeachment court will determine whether the evidence presented by the prosecution establishes grounds for conviction. As of October 18, 2026, the trial remains ongoing, and no final verdict has been issued.
