Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution challenges defense questioning tactics in Duterte impeachment trial
Prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings objected Friday to defense counsel's line of questioning regarding tax records, citing circular and repetitive interrogation of a Bureau of Internal Revenue official.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The prosecution panel presiding over Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial raised objections Friday to questioning methods employed by one of the vice president's defense lawyers during cross-examination of a Bureau of Internal Revenue witness.
Prosecution counsel Erwin Matib challenged the defense's approach to questioning the BIR official about the vice president's tax records, characterizing the line of inquiry as circular and going in circles without advancing substantive points.
The objection underscores mounting tensions during the impeachment proceedings, which have focused on various aspects of Duterte's tenure and official conduct. The trial has drawn significant public attention as lawmakers assess formal charges brought against the sitting vice president.
The incident marks another procedural contention in a trial marked by heated exchanges and strategic maneuvering between prosecution and defense teams. Both sides continue to present evidence and witness testimony as the proceedings advance through their scheduled phases.