🔴LIVE NOW:Top Senator Judge Nagdeklara na VP Sara Impeachment Trial Update NBI Matibag Cayetano

The Supreme Court of the Philippines.Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team reportedly did not expect the House prosecution panel's decision not to present two witnesses in the impeachment trial.On the fifth day of the trial on Tuesday, private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan said they will no longer present Office of the Vice President Chief of Staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez and House of Representatives Legislative Security Bureau Executive Director Capt. Belinda Bello as witnesses in connection with the fourth Article of Impeachment.The said article is related to Duterte's alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.That’s okay with us. Honestly, we did not expect it,” ani Poa sa isang press conference. “But that was the prerogative of the prosecution and we have no objections on the same.When asked if it would be beneficial for the defense not to have two witnesses appear, Poa replied: “No. I think Atty. Kapunan actually articulated it well 'no? She said that in her opinion, it is not necessary because it seems like it will just be a repetition.Poa also said that it is also possible for the defense team to reduce the number of witnesses they will present if they find that some testimonies are no longer necessary.This will allegedly help expedite impeachment proceedings for all parties, including the prosecution and senator-judges.