Duterte defense counsel disputes prosecution claims of delay tactics

MANILA — The defense team in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial clashed with prosecutors Monday over a request for an adjournment, with lead counsel Sheila Sison pushing back against accusations of stalling tactics.

Nearly eight hours into the proceedings, defense lawyer Mark Vinluan requested a one-hour break to prepare for the next phase of arguments. The prosecution panel subsequently criticized the request, describing the defense's conduct as "delatory" — a legal term suggesting deliberate delay intended to obstruct proceedings.

Sison responded sharply to the characterization, defending her team's need for preparation time and rejecting what she described as baseless accusations. She argued that adequate time to organize defense strategy and review evidence was a fundamental right and essential to ensuring a fair trial.

The exchange underscored growing tensions between the opposing sides as the high-profile impeachment case progresses through its early stages. The trial continues to draw widespread attention given Duterte's position as vice president and the serious nature of the charges she faces.