Impeachment Trial in the Philippine Senate: NBI Director Escudero Warned Against Overstepping Authority
Key Points
- National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag testified in the impeachment trial of Duterte.
- Presiding Senator Chiz Escudero warned Matibag after he used statements that overstepped the role of a judge.
- The defense questioned whether the NBI verified the claims of former hitman Arturo Lascañas without an official summons.
- The hearing came to the fore with the discussion of documents submitted to the International Criminal Court against former President Duterte.
Melvin Matibag, Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines, was warned by presiding Senator Chiz Escudero while testifying in the impeachment trial held in the Senate. After Matibag made a prosecutor-like remark, saying "Asked and answered" to a question posed by the defense attorney, Escudero reminded the witness that he should not usurp his authority.
These lighthearted moments during the hearing occurred while documents submitted to the international court regarding the case of crimes against humanity against former President Rodrigo Duterte were being examined. Defense attorney Mark Vinluan questioned whether the NBI confirmed the allegations that they forcibly brought in confessed former hitman Arturo Lascañas. Matibag stated that they did not summon Lascañas, but instead followed a verification process.
Escudero noted that Matibag's answer was legally correct, but stated that such an intervention fell under the judge's authority, and still managed the hearing in a disciplined manner. The presiding judge's warning, delivered with discretion and courtesy, brought smiles to those in the courtroom and the defense team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines warned in court?
- He was warned by Senator Escudero not to overstep his authority because, in response to the defense's question during the hearing, he said "Asked and answered," effectively making a decision like the presiding judge.
- What did the main cross-examination in the case focus on?
- The defense was questioning how the NBI verified the claims of former hitman Arturo Lascañas, which were submitted to the International Criminal Court, without officially summoning him.
- How did Escudero react to the NBI Director's statement?
- Escudero stated that the statement might be legally correct but that he should not assume the role of a judge, closing the matter with a joking tone that drew laughter from the room.
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- People's Journal·
- Rappler (Tech)·