MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House prosecution panel showed a lighter side of themselves as they posed for playful group photos on Tuesday, October 13, following a major development in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Photo courtesy: : SPPA Pool photos by Mike Alquinto

The prosecutors took a break from the serious atmosphere of the proceedings to strike wacky poses for the camera after the Senate impeachment court accepted their request to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.

The move leaves Article II, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth and financial disclosure irregularities, as the sole remaining charge in the impeachment case.

House lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro earlier informed the court that the panel would no longer pursue Article I concerning the alleged misuse of confidential funds, Article III involving bribery, and Article IV covering grave threats and related allegations.

The prosecution maintained that the evidence already presented under Article II was sufficient to support its case against the Vice President.

Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero subsequently accepted the withdrawal of the three articles.

Under the ruling, Articles I and IV were withdrawn with prejudice, while Article III was withdrawn without prejudice. The three charges will no longer be submitted to the senator-judges for a verdict in the current trial.

The withdrawal does not constitute a finding of guilt or acquittal on those allegations.

Following the day's proceedings, Escudero adjourned the trial until November 9, 2026, at 10 a.m., when the impeachment court is scheduled to resume hearings.

The next phase will focus on Article II, with Duterte's defense team expected to begin presenting its evidence concerning the remaining allegations.

The prosecution panel's lighthearted group-photo moment came as the impeachment proceedings entered a new stage, with the Senate court preparing to hear the defense's case next month.

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Photo courtesy: : SPPA Pool photos by Mike Alquinto

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