The prosecution maintained that, in the event that Vice President Sara Duterte steps down, the impeachment trial against her would continue, as the court’s decision would determine whether she can or cannot run for any government seat in the future.

“Dapat magpatuloy pa rin ‘yung paglilitis kasi hindi lang naman po ‘yung pagtanggal ang pinag-uusapan dito. Ang pinag-uusapan din po dito ay ‘yung habangbuhay na hindi po pagiging taong gobyerno. Hindi na ho siya puwedeng ma-appoint, ‘di na puwedeng ma-elect sa atin pong pamahalaan,” prosecution member and former Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon said in a press conference following the eighth day of the trial.

“It might be the prosecution’s position na dapat magtuloy pa rin po,” he added.

Moreover, Spokesperson and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said that only a decision from the court would conclude the trial.

“Even if she resigns, it will not absolve, it will not even terminate the impeachment trial because the only way to terminate the impeachment trial is for the court to finally reach a decision,” he said.

In February this year, Vice President Duterte announced her plans to run for presidency in the 2028 elections.

In the same press conference, she apologized for her earlier support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with whom she had formed an alliance during the 2022 presidential elections.