MANILA, Philippines — House lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro said she will present before the Senate Impeachment Court the panel’s formal manifestation on Article III, which accuses Vice President Sara Duterte of bribery, today, October 5.
The case is anchored on the testimony of former Department of Education (DepEd) officials who claimed they received cash envelopes through Duterte to entice them to circumvent procurement rules during her tenure as head of the agency.
“Recent remarks concerning the bribery article have prompted questions about the prosecution's next steps. The panel will state its position formally before the Senate impeachment court,” Luistro said in a statement.
“Our responsibility remains clear: to follow the evidence and bring a focused, well-supported case to its conclusion. That responsibility guides every decision we make,” she added.
The congresswoman’s remarks came after Malacañang questioned whether abandoning the bribery allegation would deprive the public of knowing the truth.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier reminded that the prosecution itself had included the allegation in the Articles of Impeachment and was adamant that it had sufficient evidence to present the issue before the impeachment court.
Luistro said that the panel “remains committed to completing its case without unnecessary delay” and “are confident in the evidence we have laid out and continue to present before the Senate impeachment court.”
She also maintained confidence that the panel’s previous manifestations and presentation of witnesses and evidence have given it a solid footing in the proceedings.
“The evidence on confidential funds and grave threats is already before the court. Our presentation on unexplained wealth is ongoing, and we will see it through with the rigor and resolve that this case demands,” Luistro said.
“Our commitment to accountability remains firm,” she added.
While the lawmaker has not categorically confirmed the dropping of the bribery case, two other prosecutors earlier confirmed that the panel would no longer pursue Article III.
Manila 2nd District Rep. Joel Chua said the move was intended to prevent the trial from extending into next year.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, meanwhile, said the it is like the bribery charge “will no longer be tackled” although “discussions are still ongoing among the prosecution panel”.
