HOUSE lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro cited growing public fatigue and declining attention as key reasons for dropping three of the four impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, focusing instead on the single charge of unexplained wealth.
Speaking amid new Social Weather Stations (SWS) data showing only 42% of adult Filipinos are following the trial very or somewhat closely — lower than the 47% who tracked former President Joseph Estrada’s 2001 impeachment and the 52%–54% who followed ex‑Chief Justice Renato Corona’s proceedings in 2012 — Luistro acknowledged the diminishing audience as a major factor. “We lament that this trial is happening for the people, yet fewer are watching,” she stated.
Luistro noted that the issues involved have been under congressional scrutiny since 2024, stretching public patience far beyond the duration of the Senate trial alone. “Filipinos are tired and impatient,” she said, explaining that the decision to withdraw articles on confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats was driven by the desire to bring the long process to a clear conclusion. “The people have a right to see the end of this very long process.” The streamlined case leaves Article II, alleging unexplained wealth amounting to roughly ₱817.87 million involving Duterte and her husband Atty. Manases Carpio, as the sole remaining charge.
The prosecution chief expressed confidence that the evidence presented by forensic accountant Atty. Alexander Cabrera — who testified the figure could reach ₱1.5 billion under broader accounting — is strong enough to sustain public trust and carry the case forward. “Numbers do not lie,” Luistro emphasized, noting that Cabrera clearly linked complex financial transactions to the allegations. The defense has contested the methodology and interpretation of those findings, and will begin presenting its side when proceedings resume on November 9.
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