Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV arrived at the Senate on Tuesday, September 29, as he is expected to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The prosecution earlier said Trillanes could testify about bank records that allegedly match information from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
House prosecution lawyer Rep. Joel Chua previously said Trillanes may testify on bank records he had earlier presented, which the prosecution claims could be relevant to allegations of unexplained wealth involving the Vice President and her husband, Manases “Mans” Carpio.
The prosecution has yet to announce when Trillanes will formally take the witness stand before the Senate Impeachment Court.
Trillanes’ arrival at the Senate came as Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte appeared before the impeachment court. Baste was declared a hostile witness by the court and is expected to face questions concerning GenCorp Industries Inc., a company declared as a business interest of Vice President Duterte in her 2024 and 2025 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
Trillanes, meanwhile, said he was prepared to testify before the impeachment court after Baste.
"I hoped to be the witness to be presented as a witness pagkatapos ni Mayor Baste" said Trillanes.
The prosecution has previously indicated that Trillanes’ testimony may be used to help establish documentary evidence related to the allegations of unexplained wealth and inaccurate or incomplete SALN disclosures against the Vice President.
The defense has questioned the admissibility and interpretation of bank-related documents, while the prosecution maintains that the records need to be properly presented and authenticated before the impeachment court.
As of this writing, the Senate Impeachment Court has not announced the specific schedule for Trillanes’ testimony.
