MANILA, Philippines — Senator Erwin Tulfo stated on Thursday, October 15, that the Senate had no justification to challenge the prosecution’s decision to drop three articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the move did not breach the Constitution or court rules.
Tulfo made the remarks in response to criticism from Duterte’s spokesperson, Atty. Paolo Panelo, who condemned the Senate majority for remaining silent over the withdrawal. Panelo claimed that abandoning the charges wasted at least ₱1 billion in public funds.
Defending the legality of the process, Tulfo questioned what grounds the Senate would even have to object.
“Bakit ka naman papalag, sir? May viniolate ba ‘yung ika nga prosecution sa Constitution?” Tulfo asked during a media interview.
He noted that legal consultations confirmed the prosecution stayed within legal bounds.
“I don’t think, according to my lawyer friends, walang viniolate ang prosecution. Wala rin yun sa rules of court na iatras nila yung tatlong impeachment. Siguro papalag kami kung may violation. Wala namang violation,” he added.
Panelo had earlier questioned why senators did not object after the prosecution dropped Articles I and IV—which addressed alleged misuse of confidential funds and grave threats—despite the Senate having already spent 20 trial days examining them.
Addressing these strategies, Tulfo viewed the withdrawal as a tactical maneuver by the prosecution, pointing out that the defense retains the equal right to deploy its own strategies.
“E, strategy ng prosecution nun. Diba? E, gawa din sila ng strategy when it’s their turn, di ba? Anong mali doon? Wala namang kaming nakita kasi wala namang violation,” Tulfo said.
While admitting he was initially surprised by the move, Tulfo maintained that senator-judges cannot compel the prosecution to pursue charges it chooses to abandon. Furthermore, he dismissed allegations that the proposed 2027 national budget could be used to pressure senators into voting against Duterte’s acquittal, noting that no such coercion exists.
Tulfo also brushed off rumors linking House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Senate President Win Gatchalian, and Senator Lito Lapid to a potential succession plan.
Ultimately, he suggested that narrowing down the charges could actually benefit the defense.
“It’s easier to defend rather than three or four,” Tulfo said, adding that Duterte could still secure an acquittal on the remaining article.