On Day 39, the prosecution streamlined its case significantly by dropping three additional articles of impeachment, focusing the trial almost exclusively on the charge regarding alleged unexplained wealth. This tactical shift prompted intense debate among the trial participants, with defense attorneys arguing against interpretations that prosecution actions should dictate how the defense structures its strategy or timeline. Outside the Senate chamber, Vice President Duterte firmly stated to reporters that she would not resign from office and expressed her intention to run in the 2028 presidential election. She framed the proceedings as an opportunity for public scrutiny of her character, while public polling released that day showed her retaining a strong trust rating despite the ongoing trial proceedings.
