MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutors are seeking to have National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testify during Tuesday’s impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before his scheduled trip to Singapore.
House prosecution spokesperson and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said on Monday that the impeachment court has yet to rule on the request and instead directed the prosecution panel to submit a written manifestation and supporting documents, including the invitation, travel authority and other related records.
“We will try to comply today so the impeachment court can decide on it,” Chua told reporters.
Chua said the prosecution hopes the court will grant the request because waiting for the NBI chief to return from Singapore could delay the proceedings.
“As far as I know, what the NBI director will say is important, so we hope the impeachment court will grant this opportunity,” he said.
Some senator-judges earlier questioned the prosecution’s motion to summon Matibag, prompting the impeachment court to require additional documents before acting on the request.
