MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday took a swipe at Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero over delays in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, blaming him for the pace and conduct of the proceedings.
“If the impeachment trial is boring, it’s the fault entirely of the presiding officer,” Trillanes said, arguing that Escudero was effectively the one making decisions on the proceedings.
Trillanes also criticized Escudero’s handling of Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records, saying the defense had already possessed the documents for weeks but was still given additional time to review them.
“If the presiding officer were objective, that would be settled — just present it,” he said, adding that the delay had wasted a day and a half.
Trillanes was dropped from the House of Representatives' prosecution panel’s witness list on Thursday after he asked to be withdrawn.
He also urged the public to closely watch Escudero’s actions during the proceedings, saying, “Keep an eye on the presiding officer. That’s what I’m saying. Watch him.”
