Several senator-judges questioned the prosecution panel’s request to move up the testimony of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano objected to the proposal, saying senator-judges had already set aside important commitments, including official travel and other engagements, to attend the impeachment trial.
Cayetano said granting the request could send the wrong message to government officials by creating the impression that the impeachment court could adjust its schedule based on the availability of a bureau head.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also expressed concern over the proposal, saying it could affect the preparation of senator-judges, particularly in reviewing evidence and preparing questions for witnesses.
According to Gatchalian, changing the witness schedule would leave senator-judges with less time to study the thousands of documents submitted as part of the impeachment proceedings.
The defense panel also opposed the request.
Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan argued that allowing Matibag to testify earlier than scheduled would violate the impeachment court’s five-day notice rule for the presentation of witnesses.
Following the discussion, Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero directed the prosecution panel to submit a copy of the invitation received by Matibag as well as his travel authority.
Matibag had earlier informed the impeachment court that he had been invited to attend a regional summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 21 and 22.
The impeachment court has yet to decide whether the prosecution’s request to adjust the witness schedule will be granted.
