HOUSE lead prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro expressed optimism Tuesday that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will move toward a verdict more quickly now that three of the four articles of impeachment have been formally withdrawn.
Speaking at a post‑trial briefing, Luistro noted that the defense’s original request for 31 trial days was calculated to cover all four charges — confidential funds misuse, bribery, grave threats, and unexplained wealth — and that the figure should now be substantially reduced. “Now that the three have been withdrawn, we have reason to anticipate that those 31 days must be reduced,” she stated.
The Senate impeachment court approved the withdrawal of Articles I, III, and IV, leaving only Article II — the allegation of unexplained wealth — for the defense to address. Luistro emphasized that streamlining the case aligns with the prosecution’s consistent intent to avoid unnecessary delays. “It has been the intention of the prosecution not to drag this impeachment trial out,” she said, recalling her early hope that proceedings would conclude before Christmas so the nation could “all be liberated from this impeachment by then.”
Luistro clarified, however, that no firm deadline has been set, as the timeline now depends on how much time the defense requires to present its evidence. “I do not have a definite date in mind. Only the impeachment court can answer that,” she added. The House prosecution formally rested its case Tuesday after 39 trial days; the defense is scheduled to begin its presentation on November 9.
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