MANILA (July 7) — House prosecutors will open the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte with what they describe as the clearest and most easily understood allegation against her—the charge of grave threats.
As the historic trial gets underway Monday, the prosecution panel said it will first present Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, arguing that it requires fewer witnesses and is less complicated than the articles involving alleged misuse of public funds.
“It is the easiest charge to follow, not only for the impeachment court but also for the Filipino people,” House prosecution legal spokesperson Benjamin Tolosa said.
The article centers on Duterte’s controversial remarks during a Zoom press conference in November 2024, when she said she had instructed an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if anything happened to her.
The House prosecution team alleges that the statements constitute grave threats, an assassination plot and incitement to sedition, forming the basis of Article IV.
For prosecutors, the issue extends beyond the remarks themselves.
Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the trial will test whether Duterte’s conduct is compatible with the responsibilities of the vice presidency.
He argued that public officials are expected to uphold the rule of law, not make statements that could be interpreted as encouraging violence or taking justice into one’s own hands.
The prosecution has set aside 11 trial days to present witnesses and evidence on Article IV before proceeding to the remaining impeachment charges, including allegations related to confidential funds.
Duterte has denied any wrongdoing and is expected to challenge the accusations as the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, hears the case.
