MANILA— The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has withdrawn its request for the Senate impeachment court to subpoena law professor and former dean Ralph Sarmiento after he declined to testify in the ongoing impeachment trial.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol confirmed Friday that the court received a manifestation from Duterte’s legal team on Thursday night, formally dropping its request for Sarmiento’s appearance as a defense witness.

“Nakatanggap ang impeachment court last night ng manifestation mula sa respondent’s counsel na sinasabing hindi na po nila ipu-pursue ‘yung pag-request ng subpoena kay Dean Sarmiento at dahil nirerespeto po nila ‘yung desisyon sa kanyang pagtanggi,” Tongol said in an interview on Balitanghali.

In the November 5 manifestation, the defense said it respected Sarmiento’s decision to decline its invitation, adding that a subpoena was no longer necessary because it would no longer present him as a witness.

Sarmiento announced his decision on social media on Thursday, citing his desire to preserve his independence as a constitutional law professor and legal analyst, as well as the impartiality of his legal views and opinions.

Defense counsel and spokesperson Michael Poa also expressed respect for Sarmiento’s decision and appreciation for his initial consideration of the invitation.

The defense team said it would proceed with presenting the respondent’s other witnesses from November 9 to 13.