Gatchalian denies Escudero block Trillanes from testifying
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday said there is no truth to claims of former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero blocked him from appearing before the court to testify by not issuing him a subpoena.
Gatchalian said the decision not to subpoena Trillanes as a witness in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte did not depend solely with Escudero.
“No,” Gatchalian answered when asked if Escudero prevented Trillanes from testifying, adding that it was discussed among the senators.
Article continues after this advertisement
“There was a consultation and there were a lot of opinions so it was not solely [Sen. Escudero’s] decision. In fact, there were several matters decided by the presiding officer that were consulted with the senator-judges first before he issued a decision or ruling,” Gatchalian said in an interview with radio dzBB.
FEATURED STORIES
NEWSINFO
NEWSINFO
NEWSINFO
“That has become a part of the impeachment process. If there are important decisions, the presiding officer consults first with the senator judges, and that included Sen. Trillanes being a possible witness,” he added.
READ: Trillanes won’t explain pressure, hits Escudero for not issuing subpoena
In a press briefing last Friday, Trillanes lashed out against Escudero for not issuing a subpoena for him — being the only witness listed by the prosecution in its manifestation for Article II of the Articles of Impeachment who did not get an order. Article II accused Duterte of possessing unexplained wealth. Trillanes also said he felt unwelcome before the Senate impeachment court after Escudero did not issue him a subpoena.
But Gatchalian said the prosecution panel has the right to summon Trillanes as a witness even without issuance of a subpoena by the impeachment court.
Article continues after this advertisement
“In fact, he was there already. It’s the prosecution panel’s decision how Sen. Trillanes’ testimony can help strengthen their case in the articles of impeachment,” the Senate leader said.
“Everybody’s welcome. It’s up to the prosecution and defense who to they want to present,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisement
On Sun, Oct 4, 2026 at 12:23 PM maria cristina santos <santostina_pdi@yahoo.com> wrote:
Gatchalian: Escudero did not block Trillanes from testifying before impeachment courtMANILA, Philippines – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday said there is no truth to claims of former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero blocked him from appearing before the court to testify by not issuing him a subpoena.
Gatchalian said the decision not to subpoena Trillanes as a witness in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte did not depend solely with Escudero.
“No,” Gatchalian asnwered when asked if Escudero prevented Trillanes from testifying, adding that it was discussed among the senators.
“There was a consultation and there were a lot of opinions so it was not solely [Sen. Escudero’s] decision. In fact, there were several matters decided by the presiding officer that were consulted with the senator-judges first before he issued a decision or ruling,” Gatchalian said in an interview with radio dzBB.
“That’s has become a part of the impeachment process. If there are important decisions, the presiding officer consults first with the senator judges, and that included Sen. Trillanes being a possible witness,” he added.
In a press briefing last Friday, Trillanes lashed out against Escudero for not issuing a subpoena for him — being the only witness listed by the prosecution in its manifestation for Article II of the Articles of Impeachment who did not get an order. Article II accused Duterte of possessing unexplained wealth. Trillanes also said he felt unwelcome before the Senate impeachment court after Escudero did not issue him a subpoena.But Gatchalian said the prosecution panel has the right to summon Trillanes as a witness even without issuance of a subpoena by the impeachment court.
“In fact, he was there already. It’s the prosecution panel’s decision how Sen. Trillanes’ testimony can help strengthen their case in the articles of impeachment,” the Senate leader said.
“Everybody’s welcome. It’s up to the prosecution and defense who to they want to present,” he added.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information and are intended solely for the use of the named recipients(s). Any unauthorized use, distribution, dissemination, or disclosure, or any action taken in reliance on the contents of this message, is absolutely prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately contact INQUIRER INTERACTIVE, INC. and delete this email.
KioskNews shows a cleaned-up reading view extracted from the publisher’s page — the original always lives on their site, not ours.