Impeachment court lifts sub judice rule on withdrawn charges vs Sara Duterte
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has lifted the sub judice rule regarding three withdrawn articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. This decision allows public discussion of the dropped charges, despite objections from the defense counsel.
Why it matters
The ruling significantly alters the legal and political landscape of the impeachment trial, potentially impacting public perception and the defense's strategy.
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PRESIDING OFFICER. Impeachment court presiding officer Chiz Escudero addresses the court on August 25, 2026.
Voltaire Domingo/Senate Social Media Unit
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate impeachment court on Tuesday, October 13, lifted the sub judice rule on three withdrawn impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, allowing the parties to publicly discuss the dropped charges .
The decision drew objections from lead defense counsel Sheila Sison, who warned that abandoning Rule 18 midway through the trial could undermine the integrity of the proceedings.
The three withdrawn articles cover the alleged misuse of confidential funds (Article I), bribery (Article III), and grave threats (Article IV). The court earlier granted the House prosecution panel’s request to withdraw these charges, leaving only Article II, which involves Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth.
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