House impeachment prosecutors are evaluating a potential shift in strategy by setting aside the bribery allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte in favor of focusing on her unexplained wealth case.
During a media briefing on Thursday, September 3, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, a prosecution panel member heading the unexplained wealth article, suggested that Article II presents a more compelling case than Article III, which involves accusations of bribing Department of Education officials during Duterte’s stint as education secretary.
The prosecution is currently wrapping up evidence for Article I regarding the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, having previously concluded its presentation for Article IV over alleged grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
”So dalawa na lang naman ‘yung pinagpipilian, sa totoo lang, either bribery or unexplained wealth. And siyempre, speaking as the lead of unexplained wealth, tingin namin mas compelling ‘yung charges ng unexplained wealth, but not to say na hindi mahalaga ‘yung charges under bribery,” Ridon said.
”Wala pa pong pinal [na desisyon] as of today, but we will decide in due time,” Ridon added.
Ridon noted that the panel expects to resolve which article to prioritize once it finishes presenting Article I, which targets the alleged misappropriation, misuse, and improper liquidation of confidential allocations under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
Article II asserts that Duterte committed a betrayal of public trust by amassing assets substantially disproportionate to her legitimate income and failing to accurately disclose her assets in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
Article III alleges that she provided financial incentives or cash gifts to DepEd personnel to bypass government procurement regulations and related laws.