The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday adopted Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano’s proposal to bar parties from explaining in open court why they are withdrawing witnesses, directing them instead to make explanations through press briefings or other public forums.
During the sixth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, Cayetano said the public deserved to know the reason behind witness withdrawals but argued that explaining them during proceedings could introduce information that was not subjected to testimony or cross-examination.
“The problem with explaining why you’re withdrawing is actually you are feeding to the court something they did not testify to and then something the defense cannot object to,” Cayetano said, addressing the impeachment court on July 15, 2026.
This was after the prosecution’s withdrawal of six witnesses on July 14 and 15, which lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro and private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan explained in detail.
Defense counsel Sheila Sison, in turn, argued that such lengthy explanations accompanying witness withdrawals could affect the fairness of the proceedings and the court’s perception of the case.
For his part, Cayetano said allowing such explanations could affect the proceedings because the opposing side would have limited opportunity to respond.
“I agree that this is an impeachment court, people need to know why. But I think we have been very lenient… if you do it here, walang chance y’ung prosecution to rebut that. Or if they do, it’s one rebutting the other rather than the witness standing,” he added.
Cayetano said both parties could explain their decisions outside the court room, emphasizing that witness withdrawals should not be viewed as a sign of weakness
“People have to understand why it is not a sign of weakness… in fact, it is a sign that you’ve achieved your position, but we can do that in the presscon and other forums,” he said.
Presiding Officer Senator-judge Francis Escudero agreed with Cayetano’s proposal, ruling that such explanations would no longer be allowed in the impeachment court.
“As ruled by the presiding officer, henceforth, that will no longer be allowed… As pointed out by Senator-judge Alan, these words can be best expressed outside this court so we can manage the court’s time better given that both parties have their respective spokespersons to discuss these matters,” Escudero said.
Earlier in the trial, the impeachment court also adopted Cayetano’s proposal for senator-judges to first seek consensus in caucus regarding the oral arguments on the Vice President’s tax and bank records.
The court also approved his suggestion to clarify the time limits for questioning and debate, suggesting that extended speaking periods should apply only if the caucus fails to produce an agreement.