Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawyer Mae Divinagracia Key Figure in Duterte Impeachment Trial
Divinagracia, a private counsel assisting the House prosecution panel, conducted questioning of a hostile witness during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on Day 18 of the trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawyer Mae Divinagracia has emerged as a prominent member of the legal team supporting the House of Representatives in its impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. As a private counsel retained by the prosecution panel, Divinagracia represents one of several attorneys handling the complex proceedings.
On Day 18 of the impeachment trial, Divinagracia conducted direct examination of Lemuel Ortonio, an Assistant Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President. The impeachment court had previously declared Ortonio a hostile witness, adding procedural complexity to his testimony.
The involvement of private lawyers alongside House members in the prosecution panel reflects the scale and technical demands of the impeachment case. These retained counsel typically bring specialized expertise to navigate the legal intricacies of high-profile impeachment proceedings.
The trial has entered its third week as the House prosecution continues presenting its case before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. The proceedings mark a significant political development in the Philippines, with substantial testimony and examination of witnesses from the Office of the Vice President.