Senate court drops three charges against Sara Duterte

The Philippine Senate impeachment court approved the withdrawal of three of four charges against Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, leaving an unexplained-wealth allegation as the sole charge for senators to consider. Prosecutors said narrowing the case would streamline the trial, which has been underway since July. The withdrawn articles accused Duterte of misusing confidential funds, bribery and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and a former House speaker. The remaining article alleges that Duterte held wealth she failed to disclose as required by law and had prohibited business interests. Duterte has broadly denied the allegations. Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro told the court that the evidence on unexplained wealth was sufficient to pursue the charge and could warrant Duterte’s removal from office. She said focusing on one article would reduce the issues for the court and the number of witnesses required. Prosecutors said about 32 witnesses would no longer need to testify after the three articles were withdrawn.