Prosecutor Challenges Sara Duterte to Seek Impeachment Dismissal

House impeachment prosecutor Joel Chua challenged the legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte to file a demurrer to evidence if they believe the prosecution's case is insufficient. The challenge follows three months of evidence presentation regarding allegations of grave threats, misuse of confidential funds, and unexplained wealth. The prosecution's final witness, forensic expert Alexander Cabrera, is scheduled for cross-examination on October 12, 2026, regarding claims that Duterte accumulated ₱817.87 million in undeclared wealth.

The trial, which opened on July 6, covers several articles of impeachment. These include allegations that Duterte plotted to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as the irregular liquidation of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds. Evidence presented to the Senate impeachment court includes National Bureau of Investigation testimony on threats and Commission on Audit findings of unsupported expenditures.

Defense lawyers have argued that names in liquidation records were aliases for confidential operations and have invoked bank-secrecy laws to protect certain information. While the court has processed multiple articles, it has not yet heard Article III regarding bribery and graft. A dispute also persists over whether the Vice President can be compelled to testify. It remains uncertain if the Senate's specific impeachment rules permit a demurrer to evidence to seek a dismissal of the case.