Prosecution moves to drop all cases vs Sara Duterte except unexplained wealth

'The prosecution believes it has presented sufficient evidence for Article 2 to stand on its own. We are all in here,' lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro says

MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has moved to withdraw all but one of the articles of impeachment to expedite the proceedings.

In an open court manifestation on Tuesday, October 13, lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro said they would retain only the unexplained wealth case against the Vice President, dropping the impeachment articles against Duterte on alleged confidential fund misuse, bribery, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

“The prosecution believes it has presented sufficient evidence for Article 2 to stand on its own. We are all in here. We believe that evidence is substantial and compelling, and warrants the respondent’s removal from office for culpable violation of Constitution and betrayal of public trust,” Luistro said.

“Had we proceeded on all four articles, the impeachment court will have had to consider the evidence offered for each together with the corresponding objections and arguments. By focusing on one article, the matters requiring the impeachment court’s consideration are correspondingly narrow, with practical benefits, for the Senate, for the respondent, and even the public,” Luistro added.

Responding to the move, the defense team said that while the prosecution has the prerogative to drop cases, it cannot dictate the defense on how the Duterte camp would proceed.

“The prosecution cannot be allowed to have the benefit of its accusations without bearing the burden of having those accusations tested,” said defense lawyer Sheila Sison.

This is a developing story. More details to follow. – Rappler.com

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