MANILA— The House prosecution team on Thursday withdrew former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV from its witness list in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro announced the decision before the Senate impeachment court, without giving a reason for dropping Trillanes as a witness.

“The prosecution has finally decided not to present former senator Sonny Trillanes. We seek the kind indulgence of the honorable impeachment court for the belated final position on this particular concern,” Luistro said.

The announcement followed an earlier query from Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo on whether the prosecution would still call Trillanes to testify.

The prosecution had sought a subpoena for Trillanes as part of its presentation of evidence under Article II of the impeachment complaint, which covers allegations involving Duterte’s unexplained wealth and inaccurate declarations in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

The impeachment court, however, deferred the issuance of a subpoena for Trillanes on Tuesday and advised prosecutors to first present the Anti-Money Laundering Council officer and bank officials or records that could form the basis of his testimony.

House prosecutor Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said he was also surprised by Luistro’s announcement.

Flores said he was focused on his direct examination during the hearing and was unaware that the prosecution panel had decided to withdraw Trillanes as a witness.

The prosecution’s decision came as it continued presenting evidence related to Article II of the impeachment complaint.