Manila: The Senate impeachment court on Monday mandated that prosecutors provide documentation validating National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag's overseas commitments before deliberating his potential testimony in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presiding Officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero instructed the House prosecution panel to submit Matibag's letter, official invitation, and travel authority related to a regional summit on scam compounds and transnational organized crime, which involves the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Royal Thai Police, to both the court and the defense.

House prosecutor Lorenz Defensor indicated the intention to call Matibag to testify following former NBI Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc, as Matibag requested an early testimony date due to his international engagement. This alteration would place Matibag before other scheduled witnesses like lawyer Zuleika Lopez and Legislative Security Bureau head Executive Director Belinda Bello.

Escudero, however, highlighted that Matibag was not part of the confirmed witness list for the week and had not been subpoenaed. Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano expressed concerns about allowing government witnesses to influence the court's schedule, warning that such changes could disrupt the senator-judges' and parties' preparations.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian echoed these concerns, emphasizing the time senator-judges spend reviewing materials over the weekend. The defense also objected, citing potential violations of notice requirements and the effect on cross-examination preparations.

Defensor assured that all documents received from Matibag would be submitted and shared with the defense. Escudero concluded that both parties would have the opportunity to present their arguments before the court makes a decision on the request.