VP Duterte vows 'I will never resign' as impeachment case narrows to unexplained wealth

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) firmly ruled out stepping down from office, even as the Senate impeachment court agreed to streamline her ongoing trial by focusing solely on allegations of unexplained wealth.

"I will not resign, will never resign from the Office of the Vice President," Duterte told reporters on the 39th day of trial proceedings, brushing off calls to step aside amid the high-stakes political showdown that could jeopardize her potential 2028 presidential bid.

Her defiance came as the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, approved a major motion from the prosecution to withdraw three of the four original charges against her.

Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro told the court that dropping charges related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and a former House Speaker would simplify the proceedings for the court, the public, and the defense.

Luistro maintained that the evidence already presented since the trial began in July regarding the remaining charge—unexplained wealth—is "substantial and compelling" enough to secure a conviction and remove Duterte from office.

Defense lawyers, however, pushed back against the motion, arguing that dropping the three charges denies them the opportunity to formally present evidence clearing her name on those specific allegations.

Under a Senate ruling established earlier in the trial, only senator-judges actively participating in the trial will count toward the final vote, lowering the hurdle needed to reach the two-thirds majority required for conviction. 

A guilty verdict would result in her removal from office and a permanent disqualification from holding public office, effectively ending any plans for a 2028 presidential campaign.

Fresh NBI Inquiry and 2028 Warnings

The prosecution's wealth allegations against Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases "Mans" Carpio, coincide with a parallel investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). 

On Monday, NBI Director Melvin Matibag revealed that authorities are examining several properties linked to the Vice President and her family following allegations of illicit cash deliveries raised by dismissed police officer Ramil Madriaga.

Duterte forcefully rejected the NBI’s claims on Tuesday, calling Matibag's statements untrue and accusing political adversaries—including former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and others—of using state resources to carry out a smear campaign.

"What he said in his press conference was simply not true," Duterte said in Filipino, adding that while her legal team is reviewing potential remedies, she expects little fairness from the current administration. 

"What we are doing for now is responding that these claims are false, and asking why they are using government funds for character assassination."

Looking ahead to the next election cycle, Duterte also warned of potential election irregularities and sustained political attacks.

"If the 2028 national elections do push through, expect fraud and expect that this so-called black propaganda will continue," she said.

With the prosecution officially concluding its presentation of evidence, the Senate impeachment court has adjourned until November 9, when the defense is scheduled to begin presenting its witnesses and evidence.

-Paraluman News with a report from Reuters: Reporting by Nestor Corrales and Mikhail Flores; Editing by David Stanway