MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Koko Pimentel on Saturday criticized the House prosecution panel’s decision to drop three impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, comparing the move to a basketball player walking away from guaranteed free throws.
Speaking in a radio interview, Pimentel expressed bewilderment over why the panel chose to abandon charges it had spent months developing, especially after repeatedly describing its case as robust.
“Para itong basketball player. Si prosecution ay nasa free throw line. Meron siyang tatlong tira. Pag pumasok, isa panalo siya. Bakit niya gi-give up yung dalawa?” Pimentel said.
The former Senate leader explained that securing a conviction on any single count would have been sufficient for a win, making the decision to pare down the charges a strategic puzzle. While he anticipated the dropping of Article III regarding bribery, he admitted surprise when Articles I and IV—covering alleged confidential fund misuse and grave threats—were also withdrawn.
Pimentel questioned the prosecution’s rationale that the move was meant to save time, pointing out that months had already been invested in presenting evidence for those specific charges.
”Medyo nagulat ako doon. Sabi ko, bakit ganun? Kung nagmamadali ka na gusto mong by December matapos na, tapusin mo na lang ng March. Anong problema noon, di ba? Wala namang deadline na yan kasi for as long as hindi nagde-delay, okay naman yung pacing,” he noted.
He further rejected the push to wrap up the trial by December, arguing that extending the proceedings to March would not have posed an issue as long as pacing remained steady.
Pimentel suggested that the rush may have been driven by holiday convenience rather than legal necessity.
“Siguro nagmadali sila. Gusto nila ng Merry Christmas. Parang gano’n,” he added.
Following the adjustments, the prosecution dropped Articles I and IV with prejudice and Article III without prejudice, leaving Article II as the sole remaining charge before the impeachment court.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday, November 9.