The prosecution team was surprised by the defense's reaction after dropping the three articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“I am very surprised at the reaction of the defense counsels when they say, acting as if they are aggrieved because the charges were dismissed. They should be happy,” Atty. Lorna Kapunan said

“Dito lang nga ako nakakita na isang respondent na kung apat ang charges, tatlo na nga ang dinismis, siya pang magrereklamo,” she said

Lead Public Prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said she didn’t get the defense's point in complaining about the withdrawal of three articles.

“Really, I do not understand why they are objecting to that withdrawal when in fact, it operates to their own advantage sapagkat isang conviction lang ang kailangan to anticipate removal and perpetual disqualification,” she said

On Tuesday, Luistro announced before the Senate impeachment court to withdraw Articles 1, 3, and 4 and retain Article 2, or the alleged unexplained wealth. However, Lead Defense Counsel Atty. Sheila Sison emphasized that through 38 days of trial, people spent their time watching the proceedings and utilized government resources to fund the trial.

Defense spokesperson Atty. Micahel Poa also stated that if the team would be given a chance to present their evidence; they want to prove and clarify the names, signatures, and other details about the Article 2 or the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

“Just to give you an idea dito sa confidential funds, gusto lang namin paintindi sa taong bayan, sa mga kababayan natin kung: ano ba talaga yung confidential funds? Kung papaano ba ito ginagamit at kung bakit may ganitong mga acknowledgement receipts? Bakit may ganitong mga pirma? Bakit may Mary Grace Piattos?” he said

“And then, hayaan na natin ang Senator-judges at ang ating mga kababayan na humusga kung sa tingin nila meron bang katiwalian na nangyari doon. Yun ang gusto nating ipaliwanag dapat and we're still hoping to be able to do that,” he added

However, senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol stated that the defense will no longer present their evidence and witnesses to disprove the allegations on Articles 1, 3, and 4 as this has been officially dropped by the prosecution.

“Dahil yun, na-drop na nga yun, then wala nang need for them to consume time to take on the testimony of any defense witness regarding the dropped articles,” he said

The prosecution has been given 10 days to submit the formal offer of evidence for the remaining article.

The impeachment trial is set to resume on November 9, 2026.