MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court will hold off on issuing a subpoena for former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV for the time being, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced Tuesday during the 31st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial.
Escudero clarified that prosecutors must first present financial evidence and testimonies from bank representatives or the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) before calling Trillanes to the stand. While the court declined to issue a compulsory order for now, the prosecution remains free to call Trillanes as a voluntary witness, and the tribunal may reconsider the subpoena at a later date.
House prosecution panel member and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon previously named Trillanes as a supplementary witness, requesting to present him on Wednesday to address issues extending beyond bank records.
Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison withdrew the defense’s initial opposition to Trillanes taking the stand, stating they would accommodate the prosecution’s unexpected request while noting the late adjustment to the witness sequence.
Escudero noted that because Trillanes’ prospective testimony is tied to monetary transactions and bank accounts, the court deemed it proper to prioritize AMLC officials and financial documents.
Lawyers Kathy Baldonado and Marco Pineda are slated to testify on Wednesday, while AMLC representative Atty. Ronel Buenaventura is set to appear during the October 1 and 2 proceedings.
Trillanes previously expressed his readiness to testify before the tribunal.
”I hope to be presented as a witness pagkatapos ni Mayor Baste.”