FACT: Confidential funds, grave threats charge withdrawn permanently in VP Sara’s Impeachment case

Isabella Laraga

According to a Facebook post, Presiding Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero allowed the withdrawal of three of the four articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. 

CLAIM

The post claimed that Article 1 and Article 4 were withdrawn with prejudice. While Article 3 was withdrawn without prejudice. On the other hand, Article 2 remains for adjudication. 

RATING: FACT

CONCLUSION

As stated by the lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, for the prosecution, evidence presented on Article 2 was “substantial and compelling” to remove Duterte from office. 

THE FACTS: 

• Withdrawn with prejudice were Articles 1 and 4, where evidence has already been presented. Meaning that the case is permanently closed and cannot be filed again during the 20th Congress. 
• Article 3, however, was withdrawn without prejudice before presentation of evidence and cannot be revived within the ongoing trial. 

THE BOTTOMLINE 

Articles 1 and 4 of VP Duterte’s impeachment case were withdrawn with prejudice. Furthermore, Article 3 was withdrawn without prejudice. Only Article 2 will remain for adjudication.