Prosecution drops Trillanes as witness in Sara Duterte impeachment trial
The prosecution in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has withdrawn its request to call former senator Antonio Trillanes IV as a witness. Trillanes stated he requested to be removed to relieve pressure on the prosecution panel.
Why it matters
The impeachment trial involves significant allegations of financial impropriety and corruption involving the Duterte family's bank records.
Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
SONNY TRILLANES. File photo shows civil society group The Silent Majority along with former senator Antonio Trillanes file plunder and graft charges against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman on January 21, 2026.
MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution withdrew its bid to present former senator Antonio Trillanes IV as its witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The prosecution has finally decided not to present former senator Sonny Trillanes. We seek the kind indulgence of the honorable impeachment court for the belated final position on this particular concern,” lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro told the court on Thursday, October 1.
In a separate statement, Trillanes said he requested the prosecution to remove him from the witness list.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in