Prosecution panel drops six witnesses to hasten impeachment trial
The prosecution panel withdrew six witnesses initially requested for the presentation of evidence under the fourth impeachment article — grave threats against the President — to expedite the trial.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, lead prosecutor, and the rest of the prosecution panel during the sixth day of the impeachment proceedings. Photo by Wendell Alinea/Senate Social Media Unit.
Anna Mogato | July 15, 2026
MANILA — The House Prosecution Panel withdrew six witnesses on sixth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings, speeding up the presentation of evidence for the fourth impeachment article against Duterte.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the lead prosecutor, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, said that they have will begin presenting the evidence for the first article — misuse of confidential funds— next week as they have already established the case for the fourth impeachment article.
“The reason for the withdrawal is because we have a strong case [already],” Luistro added. (Also read: Defense panel tries to discredit prosecution’s witness at impeachment trial)
“The evidence is complete. And as we said, everything excessive is bad, so let us proceed to the next article.”
Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor, one of the House prosecutors, said that they have clearly and properly presented their evidences and the testimony of National Bureau of Investigation Melvin Matibag would be “the right time to stop.”
On Tuesday next week, Matibag will testify as the last witness for the fourth article of impeachment. He is the third and last witness for the fourth impeachment article. (Also read: Prosecution to present proof that Duterte hired ‘hitman’ to kill Marcos)
“Our witnesses who are credible have said that the case is air tight. They have said that the threat is real. And remember that this is a constitutional process. Hindi ito simpleng krimen sa ilalim ng batas. Ito ay paglabag ng saligang batas,” Defensor said.
(This is not just a simple crime under the law. This is a violation of the Constitution.)
“We are trying a case for betraying public trust. Sa ebidensya pa lang na napakita ng prosecution, sa una naming dawalang testigo, makikita nang malinaw at matatag ang kaso. Gusto ko lang sabihin na pagdating ng testimony ni Director Matibag ay matatali na din ang kailangan madagdag para mas lalo pa natin mapakita sa taong bayan na kumpleto at malinaw lalo ang ebidensya namin for betrayal of public trust and high crimes.”
(We are trying a case for betraying public trust. The evidence shown from our first two witnesses has properly and clearly laid out the case. I would want to say that Director Matibag’s testimony will tie up all added proof that will show to the people that we have a clear and complete evidence for betrayal of public trust and high crimes.)
Among those witnesses who will no longer be called to testify were journalists Mikhail Flores and Bonz Magsambol, former Sheriff Abe Andres, and representatives from the Philippine National Police firearms and explosives office.
These witnesses were present during Duterte’s online press briefing last November 2024 where she had hurled invectives at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and threatened to have him assassinated along with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin.
Earlier, private counsel for the prosecution team, Atty. Lorna Kapunan said they will no longer be calling Duterte’s chief of staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez and House Legislative Security Bureau Capt. Belinda Bello to the stand.
After Matibag’s testimony, the Senate Impeachment Court will begin to hear the evidence on the first article of impeachment the following day. (Also read: Prosecution, defense argue on subpoena of VP Duterte’s bank, tax records)