MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel’s decision to drop three of the four impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte and focus entirely on a single charge was a pre-calculated move rather than a hasty decision.
Manila 3rd District Representative and prosecution panel member Joel Chua revealed that narrowing down the charges was part of a contingency plan that prosecutors had prepared from the very beginning of the trial, which began over three months ago on July 6.
”Pero lahat naman po yan, syempre, right from the very beginning, lahat naman ‘yung mga klase ng legal strategy, syempre, ina-anticipate ninyo, pinag-aaralan ninyo, ‘di ba. May plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D kayong lahat,” Chua explained.
On Tuesday, October 13, the prosecution withdrew Articles I, III, and IV—which covered the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats or inciting to sedition, respectively. This left Article II, concerning unexplained wealth, as the sole charge facing evaluation by the senator-judges.
According to Chua, the legal team continuously adjusted their presentation, witnesses, and evidence depending on trial developments.
”Well, may mga possible scenario na mga— may mga ida-drop, di ba?” he noted.
”So minsan nagbabawas kayo o nagdadagdag ng testigo, depende kung papaano nailalatag yung mga ebidensya,” Chua added.
The lawmaker emphasized that trimming down the case reflects their confidence in the strength and clarity of the evidence already presented to secure a conviction.
”In fact, kung makikita nga ninyo, sa mga inilatag namin na mga artikulo, eh nagbawas nga kami, dahil kami naniniwala, eh naipresenta naman namin nang maayos ang mga ebidensya,” he stated.
While streamlining the case had been on the table throughout the proceedings, Chua clarified that the final choice was formally sealed only after a comprehensive review by the prosecution team.