Prosecution lawyers in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will not move to inhibit senator-judges, relying instead on the internal neutrality of the Senate. Panel spokesman Benjamin Tolosa, Jr. confirmed during a Thursday media briefing that the prosecution expects senators to remain politically neutral as the trial transitions to the upper chamber.
Reliance on Senate Neutrality
The decision to sideline specific senators rests with the impeachment court and the individuals themselves. Tolosa, a lawyer, asserted that political neutrality is already mandated by impeachment rules. “We have no intention to do that,” Tolosa said.
He noted that Senate rules require members to render judgment regardless of their political affiliations. San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, serving as an impeachment prosecutor, confirmed that the team is not discussing moves to sideline senators. Their focus, she stated, is building the case.
Bribery and Confidential Funds
The 48-year-old Vice President faces a trial centered on accusations of bribery and the amassing of unexplained wealth. At the heart of the case is the alleged misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds.
The charges extend beyond financial irregularities. Prosecutors allege Duterte threatened the lives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the First Lady, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Threshold for Conviction
The stakes are absolute. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must win over at least two-thirds of the Senate. If successful, Duterte would be removed from office and could face a perpetual ban from holding any public position.
Tax Records and Physical Altercations
The prosecution is currently seeking Duterte’s tax records and net worth statements. The evidentiary phase may include testimony from government officials, bank representatives, and a court sheriff whom Duterte punched during her time as mayor of Davao City.
Tolosa emphasized that evidence from both sides must be heard to establish a “solid basis” for the case, regardless of whether the proceedings are viewed as politically motivated.
The 2028 Presidential Ambition
This legal battle unfolds as Duterte prepares a run for the presidency in 2028. She remains a favorite in early surveys, bolstered by a loyal base despite being impeached twice and facing these current allegations.
Because Duterte retains strong allies among the senators tasked with delivering the verdict, the proceedings are expected to span several months.
