The House prosecution panel has released its lineup of intended witnesses for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings scheduled from September 28 to October 2.
Among those listed are Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV.
The prosecution’s witness lineup includes:
- Rendell Sopeña, PhilGEPS Division Chief
- Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Davao City mayor
- Police Maj. Joericson Sangalang, PNP Firearms and Explosives Office
- Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, former senator
- Atty. Kathy Florence Baldonado, Davao City Register of Deeds
- Atty. Marco K. Pineda, deputy register of deeds in Samal
- Atty. Ronel U. Buenaventura, executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council Secretariat
Sopeña is scheduled to appear on Monday, September 28, to produce requested procurement documents. He previously testified that GenCorp Industries Inc. secured 49 government contracts worth around ₱35.9 million, including contracts with the Davao City government.
Baste Duterte is expected to appear on September 28 or 29 and bring Davao City government records involving GenCorp and other entities, following an order from the Senate impeachment court.
The mayor previously said he and other Davao City officials were unaware of his sister’s alleged connection to GenCorp. He also said the city entered into 19 contracts with the company worth ₱33.2 million, and that the name “Duterte” did not appear in any of the contracts.
Police Maj. Joericson Sangalang of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office is also set to testify based on official PNP-FEO records.
Meanwhile, Trillanes is listed for an appearance between September 28 and 30. The prosecution intends to question him on allegations involving Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth and the receipt or acquisition of funds. The prosecution separately sought a subpoena for Trillanes on September 24.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V earlier confirmed Trillanes’ inclusion in the prosecution’s witness lineup, saying during a September 9 press briefing: “Trillanes is coming.”
Baldonado and Pineda are expected to testify and produce land records involving properties of Atty. Manases Carpio, Duterte’s husband.
For the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Atty. Ronel U. Buenaventura is scheduled to appear on October 1 or 2 to testify on official AMLC records and findings relevant to the case.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has asked the impeachment court to recall the subpoena issued to Atty. Gary E. Samonte of PhilHealth Region XI, saying he is no longer connected with the agency and does not possess the requested documents.
The witnesses are expected to provide testimony and records relevant to Article II of the impeachment case, which includes allegations concerning Duterte’s wealth declarations and alleged business and financial interests while serving as Vice President.
