Politics · Philippines Bureau
Extended trial hours could prevent witness coaching in Duterte impeachment case
The prosecution panel's lead counsel argues that lengthening daily court sessions for Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial would accelerate proceedings while simultaneously reducing opportunities for witness intimidation or coaching by legal teams.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawyer Lorna Kapunan, representing the prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, has advocated for extended court hours as a safeguard against witness tampering and coaching by counsel.
Kapunan contended Wednesday that allocating longer blocks of time each trial day would serve dual purposes: accelerating the overall pace of proceedings while creating conditions that make it harder for lawyers to orchestrate improper communications with witnesses outside the courtroom.
The proposal reflects concerns within the prosecution camp about potential efforts to influence testimony through informal channels during breaks in proceedings. By concentrating trial activities into longer, uninterrupted sessions, Kapunan suggested the court could maintain better oversight of witness interactions.
The Vice President's impeachment trial has drawn significant public attention as it navigates complex procedural questions alongside substantive legal matters. Kapunan's comments highlight the ongoing debate among legal teams about how trial management practices can affect the integrity of witness testimony and the overall fairness of proceedings.
The proposal for extended daily sessions remains under consideration as the Senate continues to adjudicate the high-profile case.