The Senate impeachment court on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, rejected claims against the Office of the Vice President’s assistant secretary, dismissing allegations related to confidential funds. The court’s decision came as part of ongoing proceedings against former Vice President Sara Duterte.
Legal counsel for the prosecution stated that the court had ruled out the inclusion of the Commission on Audit’s disallowance of P73 million in confidential funds as evidence. This ruling follows a legal challenge by the defense, which argued the funds were not subject to public scrutiny. The court’s rejection of the evidence was based on procedural grounds, emphasizing the need for transparency in financial disclosures.
This marks a significant development in the impeachment case, which has been ongoing since early 2025. The case centers on allegations of misuse of public funds and breach of ethical standards. The court’s decision highlights the complex legal framework surrounding high-level political figures and the strict criteria for evidence admissibility. The prosecution has not yet announced its next steps, but the ruling may influence the trajectory of the proceedings.
