MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court has successfully served 22 out of 24 requested subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team as the trial prepares to enter the presentation of evidence phase, according to impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol.
Speaking in a radio interview on Saturday, November 7, Tongol explained that the defense panel initially requested subpoenas for 25 individuals. One of the prospective witnesses, former law school dean Ralph Sarmiento, ultimately declined to testify.
Suzette Balucanag-Punay, corporate counsel for GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corporation, is scheduled to take the stand as the defense’s first witness when proceedings resume on Monday.
“Mag-testify (siya) sa general information sheets at audited financial statements na ipinasa ng mga korporasyon na yun mula 2022 hanggang 2025 ayon sa purpose na inilagay ng respondent sa manifestation nila,” Tongol said.
Should Punay wrap up her testimony on Monday, city assessors from Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, a Davao accountant, and the barangay captain of Matina Crossing are lined up to testify on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bank representatives are also expected to follow.
While the defense has not yet revealed the identities of witnesses beyond the initial batch, Tongol noted that they are adhering to procedural rules.
“Meron silang nakalagay doon sa manifestation nila na ang dini-disclose lamang nila ay for this week and then they will comply with the ruling on the five-day notification to the court for the succeeding days,” he stated.
The impeachment court has scheduled full-day hearings for next week, with the exception of Wednesday, November 11, which will feature an afternoon break to accommodate a Senate plenary session.
Tongol expressed confidence that bank documents will be processed efficiently, drawing comparisons to the swift handling of bank records presented by the House prosecution panel.
“Kung maalala nyo, yung mga bank representatives na ipinresenta ng House prosecution panel, mabilisan yan. Parang nakapito o nakasampu yata tayo sa isang araw,” Tongol noted, adding, “Ine-expect natin yung mga dokumentong dala rin ng mga bank representatives na ito ay madali lamang po ma-authenticate at ma-identify.”
Although the tribunal continues to target a conclusion to the trial by December, Tongol emphasized that the schedule remains flexible, concluding, “This is a moving target and the impeachment court will go on depending on the circumstances.”