Impeachment Trial in the Philippine Senate: NBI Director Escudero Warned Against Overstepping Authority

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.