Abante admits dozing off at Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA — Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. has acknowledged that he fell asleep during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, though he offered a spirited defense of the incident.

Abante attributed his momentary slumber to the quality of questioning from the vice president's legal team during cross-examination. Speaking to reporters on Monday while the Senate Impeachment Court was in recess, the congressman suggested that the defense's line of questioning lacked sufficient engagement to hold his attention.

The admission came as the high-profile impeachment proceedings continued in the Senate, where senators serve as jurors in the constitutional case against Duterte. The trial has drawn significant public attention amid ongoing tensions between the vice president and the Marcos administration.

Abante's candid remarks highlighted the grueling nature of the impeachment process, which has involved lengthy testimonies and detailed questioning across multiple sessions. His comments also underscored the challenge of maintaining focus through extended courtroom proceedings.

The impeachment trial centers on charges brought against Duterte, with proceedings expected to continue in the coming weeks as both the prosecution and defense present their cases before the Senate.