Sara Duterte rules out resignation as impeachment trial narrows to unexplained wealth case

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 14, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has ruled out stepping down from office, saying she intends to remain vice president as her impeachment trial continues before the Senate.

“No, no, no. I will not resign. I will never resign from the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte told reporters on October 13 on the sidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel. 

Her statement came on the same day the Senate impeachment court accepted the House prosecution panel’s decision to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment against her.

The prosecution dropped Article I involving alleged misuse of confidential funds, Article III on bribery, and Article IV involving alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez. The trial will now proceed solely on Article II, which covers allegations of unexplained wealth, incomplete asset declarations and failure to divest certain business interests. 

Duterte has denied wrongdoing and argued that the withdrawal of the other charges supported her position that the accusations against her lacked sufficient evidence. The House prosecution, however, said it was concentrating on Article II because it believes the evidence already presented under that article is enough to support removal from office. Those competing claims remain for the Senate impeachment court to resolve.

The Vice President also said she views the impeachment proceedings as an opportunity for the public to examine the allegations against her and assess her character.

“In one way, nakikita ko as a blessing ’yung impeachment trial dahil diyan ay makikilatis at ma-scrutinize na ng mga tao ’yung mga katanungan nila sa pagkatao ko,” Duterte said. 

Duterte also reaffirmed her intention to seek the presidency in 2028, answering “Yes” when asked whether she remained committed to running despite the ongoing proceedings. 

Her impeachment case remains consequential to those plans. Under the Constitution, conviction in an impeachment trial can result in removal from office and may include disqualification from holding public office.

The Senate impeachment court’s Oct. 13 ruling means the withdrawn articles will no longer be submitted for a verdict, leaving the allegations under Article II as the sole charge to be adjudicated.