MANILA — The Senate impeachment court has ordered the issuance of subpoenas to three prospective defense witnesses and moved the scheduled testimony of another witness to Nov. 10 as proceedings in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumed Monday following a nearly month-long recess.

Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the court acted on several motions and manifestations filed during the break, including requests concerning witness appearances and the presentation of evidence.

“Subpoenas will accordingly be issued by the court today,” Escudero said.

The subpoenas cover lawyer Anel Martin S. Antero, Chadrin S. Parian, and Quezon City prosecutor Vimar M. Barcellano, who were included in a Nov. 7 manifestation identifying prospective witnesses for the Nov. 9 to 13 hearings.

The three are expected to testify on Article II, the remaining impeachment charge involving allegations of unexplained wealth.

Meanwhile, the court granted a request to reschedule the appearance of lawyer Suzette Balucanag-Punay, corporate counsel of GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corp., from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10. The adjustment was sought because she was scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging examination on Monday.

The defense was directed to continue presenting its succeeding witnesses.

Sarmiento subpoena not issued

Escudero also clarified that constitutional law professor Ralph Sarmiento, who withdrew from participating in the proceedings to preserve his independence as a legal scholar, had not been issued a subpoena.

Sarmiento was initially listed as the first prospective witness but was subsequently removed from the list through a Nov. 5 manifestation that also requested the recall of his subpoena.

“The court clarified that no subpoena has yet been issued to Dean Sarmiento, and thus no withdrawal is necessary,” Escudero said.

The presiding officer likewise acknowledged the defense’s Nov. 4 manifestation listing 24 prospective witnesses for the first week of hearings, as well as subsequent submissions detailing their respective schedules.

Court sets rules on evidence access

In a separate matter, Escudero disclosed that he issued an order on Nov. 6 establishing the classification of exhibits attached to the prosecution’s formal offer of evidence and outlining the extent and manner of access to the documents.

Copies of the directive were provided to the parties and senator-judges.

The order followed the court’s Nov. 5 ruling admitting bank, tax, corporate and property records relevant to Article II, while excluding evidence related to impeachment charges previously withdrawn by the prosecution.

The court also established safeguards to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of protected financial and personal information contained in the admitted exhibits.

Escudero reiterated that the sub judice restrictions under Rule XVIII would remain in force throughout all impeachment articles, including those previously withdrawn by the prosecution. The rule prohibits covered individuals from publicly discussing the merits of the case while proceedings are pending.

With the prosecution having completed its formal offer of evidence and officially rested its case, the impeachment court has shifted to the defense’s presentation of evidence on Article II, the only remaining impeachment charge against Duterte.