Manila: The Senate impeachment court convened in a caucus on Wednesday to deliberate on the requests to subpoena the bank records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband. The documents in question include both peso and dollar accounts, as well as records related to corporate accounts.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presiding Officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero stated that the senator-judges would initially discuss the legal matters internally after hearing from both the prosecution and defense. The court aims to issue a ruling on these requests during Day 6 of Duterte's impeachment trial. Escudero referenced a precedent from the 2012 impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona to guide their deliberations on subpoena requests.

Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized that the requests for subpoenas should not be treated as a singular issue. He pointed out that the subpoenas concerning Duterte, her husband, bank deposits, and corporate accounts may require distinct legal assessments. Cayetano admitted uncertainty about his vote but acknowledged the importance of these issues. He highlighted the need to assess if the document requests would amount to a 'fishing expedition' and stressed that the court should articulate the legal basis for its decision.

Cayetano also mentioned that a detailed ruling would aid both parties in understanding the court's logic, especially if they seek reconsideration or escalate the issue to the Supreme Court. Following the deliberations, Escudero announced a recess, informing the prosecution and defense teams that they would be notified when to reconvene once the caucus discussions were nearing completion. He advised both panels to prepare for the presentation of future witnesses in the meantime.