Prosecution seeks subpoena for former Senator Trillanes in VP trial

The prosecution in Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial is seeking to compel former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to testify next week regarding allegations surrounding her personal wealth.

In a formal manifestation submitted to the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, prosecutors requested a subpoena for Trillanes under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment. Article II addresses claims of Duterte’s "unexplained wealth and alleged receipt or acquisition of funds from persons or sources identified in the evidence presented before the impeachment court."

Trillanes previously claimed during an April House Committee on Justice hearing that Duterte and members of her immediate family received ₱181 million from an alleged drug lord.

The assertion was made as lawmakers evaluated probable cause to impeach the Vice President.

Duterte has consistently denied Trillanes’ claims, dismissing allegations of billions in undisclosed bank accounts as "incredible."

She added that Trillanes has been "peddling" the same narrative since 2016, when her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, took office.

She also maintained that her public record remains clean, with no formal charges filed against her regarding the misuse of public funds.

Beyond Trillanes, the prosecution announced that PhilGEPS division chief Rendelle Sopeña is set to resume testimony on Monday.

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has already been issued a subpoena and could be called to the stand as early as Monday or Tuesday. His subpoena requires him to produce records involving GenCorp Industries, a firm listed in Vice President Duterte's business declarations.