Manila: House of Representatives prosecutors on Tuesday asked the Senate impeachment court to issue subpoenas compelling Vice President Sara Z. Duterte's chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag to testify in the impeachment trial.
According to Philippines News Agency, in separate requests for subpoenas ad testificandum (to testify), the prosecution panel stated that the testimonies of Lopez and Matibag are "material, relevant and necessary" to prove Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment. This article accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker and Leyte First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
The prosecutors emphasized that both witnesses are needed to identify and authenticate documentary and other evidence to be presented before the impeachment court. They requested that Lopez and Matibag appear during hearings scheduled on July 13, 14, and 15.
Lopez is expected to testify on matters related to the circumstances surrounding the alleged threats. Prosecutors indicated that her testimony would provide firsthand information from within the Office of the Vice President and help establish the context of Duterte's public statements. The prosecution aims to use Lopez's testimony to corroborate other evidence supporting its claim that the statements constituted serious threats rather than political rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Matibag is expected to testify on the NBI's investigation into Duterte's statements. Prosecutors said he would explain the basis of the bureau's probe, the evidence gathered, and the findings that led investigators to pursue a criminal investigation. His testimony is anticipated to authenticate investigative records and digital evidence collected by the NBI and explain why the agency considered the statements a matter of national concern.
Prosecutors stated that Matibag's appearance would support their argument that Duterte's alleged threats were not treated as mere political hyperbole but prompted a formal investigation and security measures by government agencies.
