Trillanes claims Senate impeachment court blocked his subpoena in Duterte trial

Antonio Trillanes IV, a former senator, asserted that the Senate impeachment court did not issue a subpoena for his testimony in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, despite the prosecution’s request. He highlighted that his name appeared on the subpoena list last week, yet he was the sole witness omitted when the subpoenas were returned, and he asked whether the court or its presiding officer possesses the power to compel witnesses.

Trillanes described the lack of a subpoena as a tactical move by the prosecution and urged journalists to interrogate each senator-judge to identify who is blocking his testimony. He also noted that Senator Escudero chose not to issue a subpoena, though that decision does not stop the prosecution from presenting him as a voluntary witness. Following this, the House prosecution panel dropped Trillanes from its roster of witnesses. The impeachment case centers on allegations that Vice President Duterte failed to disclose assets and divest from businesses as required by the constitution.