(Screengrab from Senate livestream)
MANILA — The Senate impeachment court on Monday, November 9, ordered the issuance of subpoenas to three witnesses and approved changes to the defense’s presentation schedule as Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial resumed following nearly a month-long recess.
Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced that the court had acted on several motions and manifestations submitted during the break, including requests for subpoenas and adjustments to witness appearances.
“Subpoenas will accordingly be issued by the court today,” Escudero said.
The court ordered subpoenas for lawyer Anel Martin Antero, Chadrin Parian, and Quezon City prosecutor Vimar Barcellano, who were identified as prospective defense witnesses in a November 7 manifestation covering the November 9 to 13 hearings.
The three are expected to testify on matters related to Article II, the sole remaining impeachment charge against Duterte involving allegations of unexplained wealth.
The court also granted a request to reschedule the testimony of lawyer Suzette Balucanag-Punay, corporate counsel of GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corp., from November 9 to November 10.
According to a November 6 manifestation, Balucanag-Punay was scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination on Monday, prompting the defense to seek an adjustment.
Escudero approved the postponement while allowing the presentation of other defense witnesses to proceed.
Meanwhile, the presiding officer clarified that no subpoena had been issued to constitutional law professor Ralph Sarmiento, who earlier declined to participate in the proceedings.
Sarmiento, initially identified as the defense’s first prospective witness, withdrew to preserve his independence as a legal scholar.
Although the defense filed a manifestation on November 5 seeking the withdrawal of Sarmiento as a witness and the recall of his subpoena, Escudero said no recall was necessary.
“The court clarified that no subpoena has yet been issued to Dean Sarmiento, and thus no withdrawal is necessary,” he said.
The impeachment court also acknowledged the defense’s November 4 submission identifying 24 prospective witnesses for the first week of hearings.
In a separate development, Escudero disclosed that he issued an order on November 6 establishing guidelines for classifying and accessing documentary exhibits submitted through the prosecution’s formal offer of evidence.
Copies of the directive were furnished to both parties and the senator-judges.
The order followed the court’s November 5 ruling admitting bank, tax, corporate, and property records relevant to Article II while excluding evidence associated with impeachment charges previously withdrawn by the prosecution.
The court also maintained safeguards against unauthorized disclosure of confidential financial records and personal information contained in the exhibits.
Escudero reiterated the enforcement of the Rule XVIII sub judice restriction, which prohibits covered individuals from publicly discussing the merits of the impeachment case while proceedings remain ongoing.
The restriction applies to all impeachment articles, including those already withdrawn.
With the prosecution having formally rested its case, the Senate impeachment court proceeded with the defense’s presentation of evidence concerning Article II.
Duterte’s defense team is expected to present witnesses and documentary evidence to challenge the prosecution’s allegations of unexplained wealth.
The vice president continues to face the remaining impeachment charge, with the Senate impeachment court tasked with evaluating the evidence and determining whether it warrants conviction.
