Metro Manila, Philippines — The House prosecution panel has dropped former Sen. Sonny Trillanes as a witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte under the charge of unexplained wealth.
Trillanes was supposedly next to Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, but the Senate Impeachment Court, in particular Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero, noted that that Trillanes was expected to testify on financial matters ahead of officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and private banks.
The defense also objected after the prosecution rearranged its witness lineup for the second time.
The trial was later suspended on Wednesday for what Senate President Win Gatchalian described as time for both sides to prepare for the next 11 straight trial days.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, the prosecution proceeded with witnesses from the Land Registration Authority and an AMLC official the article on unexplained wealth, false statements in the statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth, and failure to divest business interests.
Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro confirmed that Trillanes would no longer testify.
“Prosecution’s prerogative,” she told reporters when asked about the decision.
The prosecution said an AMLC official will be its lone witness on Friday, Oct. 2, with bank officials expected to testify next week.
