Politics · Philippines Bureau
Defense Counsel Testifies Impeachment Trial Proceedings Conducted Fairly
Michael Poa, appearing as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, stated the proceedings have been conducted fairly despite heated exchanges during questioning. The testimony came on the 21st day of the high-profile trial as the prosecution continued its case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Defense counsel Michael Poa testified Wednesday that he believes the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte has been conducted "fairly," even as the proceedings have featured tense moments between legal teams.
Poa was called to the witness stand by the prosecution as a hostile witness, marking the third such witness summoned by prosecutors. The defense counsel's testimony came as the trial entered its 21st day, with prosecutors continuing to present evidence regarding Duterte's alleged misuse of Department of Education funds.
Despite acknowledging the heated nature of some exchanges during cross-examination, Poa maintained that the overall trial process has maintained procedural integrity. His assessment comes at a critical juncture in the high-profile impeachment proceedings, which have drawn intense public and political scrutiny.
The trial has featured contentious questioning of witnesses called by both the prosecution and defense teams. Observers have noted that while tensions have periodically risen during testimony, the proceedings have continued to follow established rules governing impeachment trials in the Senate.