Politics · Philippines Bureau
Defense lawyer apologizes for alleged intimidation at Duterte impeachment trial
A defense counsel has offered an apology after senator-judges raised concerns about intimidation tactics during the cross-examination of an Anti-Money Laundering Council official. The incident occurred during Monday's impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan has apologized for any impression of intimidation that may have arisen during the defense team's questioning of Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The exchange prompted senator-judges presiding over the proceedings to flag concerns about the conduct of the cross-examination on Monday. Vinluan stated that the defense team had no intention to intimidate the witness or anyone involved in the trial.
"We apologize if a different message was conveyed," Vinluan said, while reaffirming the defense's commitment to conducting its case appropriately. The lawyer pledged that the defense would maintain proper decorum in future proceedings.
The apology came as the high-profile impeachment case continues in the Senate. The trial has drawn significant public attention given the status of the accused vice president and the serious nature of the charges being heard.