The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday subpoenaed Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, brother of Vice President Sara Duterte, as the prosecution seeks to present additional witnesses in connection with the second impeachment article involving alleged unexplained wealth.

Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced the issuance of subpoenas following the court’s session with the amici curiae.

The court also approved subpoenas for lawyer Ariel Ronquillo and Rendell Sopeña, who are scheduled to appear from Sept. 21 to 23.

Sebastian Duterte, lawyer Gary Samonte and Police Major Jerickson Sangalang were subpoenaed to appear on Sept. 23.

“In regard to Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Attorney Gary Samonte and Police Major Jerickson Sangalang, let the subpoena be issued only for September 23.”

Escudero said the court may withdraw the subpoenas on Sept. 22 depending on the progress of the proceedings and issue new subpoenas for the following week or the week after.

“Depending on where we are with respect to the three witnesses, we shall announce if we will be withdrawing that subpoena and simply issue a new one for the following week or the week thereafter.”

He said the adjustment was intended to avoid wasting the witnesses’ time, noting that they are government officials performing duties related to their functions.

“So as not to waste their time given that they are all officials performing duties in connection with their functions.”

The prosecution confirmed that the defense had furnished a copy of its request for the subpoenas, which was also acknowledged by defense lead counsel Sheila Sison.

Escudero also noted that a subpoena for lawyer Gerardo Del Rosario had already been issued, making a new subpoena unnecessary.