PASAY CITY, Philippines — In an unexpected turnaround, the House prosecution panel announced on Thursday, October 1, that it will no longer present former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to testify in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, who serves as the lead prosecutor, conveyed the abrupt shift during the 32nd day of the trial before the Senate impeachment court.
The decision follows weeks of anticipation regarding the testimony of the retired Navy lieutenant, a persistent critic of the Duterte family who was scheduled to take the witness stand on Thursday.
Speaking in a regretful tone, Luistro informed the tribunal of the prosecution’s change of plans.
“The prosecution has finally decided not to present former Senator Sonny Trillanes. We seek the kind indulgence of the honorable impeachment court for the belated final decision on this particular concern,” she stated.
Trillanes was slating to testify under Article II of the articles of impeachment, a charge centering on the Vice President’s alleged undisclosed assets and unexplained wealth.
The last-minute decision led to eager inquiries from members of the press, who were expecting clarification during a scheduled lunch break media briefing. However, the press conference was called off.
A day prior, Luistro indicated that Trillanes was expected to address alleged connections between the Duterte family and supposed drug personality Sammy Uy. She acknowledged at the time that the prosecution panel was not completely privy to everything the former lawmaker intended to reveal.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, the prosecution panel’s spokesperson, had previously remarked that the former senator’s appearance was anticipated to draw substantial public attention.
Trillanes reportedly holds documents detailing cash flows amounting to billions of pesos tied to accounts belonging to members of the Duterte family. During hearings conducted by the House Committee on Justice over the summer, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) verified that records showed multiple transactions involving those accounts.
Despite the council’s confirmation, the entirety of the financial documents has yet to undergo full validation.