3 of 4 impeachment charges dropped against Philippines VP Duterte

Prosecutors have dropped three of four impeachment charges

against Vice President Sara Duterte Tuesday to speed up

her ongoing trial, saying the remaining allegation of unexplained

wealth was enough to convict her.

The Philippine Senate, sitting as an impeachment court,

approved the move.

Duterte's lawyers said prosecutors had already addressed two of the

dropped charges in public hearings, unfairly exposing her to

damaging allegations.

Duterte was impeached in May over alleged unexplained wealth,

misuse of confidential state funds, bribery and a public threat to

have the president, his wife and a former House speaker assassinated

if she were killed because of their political disputes.

She has broadly denied the allegations.

If convicted, Duterte could be permanently barred from public office.

She has announced plans to run for president in the 2028 elections.