Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution counsel defends impeachment trial remarks as public record
The prosecution panel's spokesperson has responded to a Senate court order by asserting that his statements about Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial were matters of public record. The defense comes after the impeachment court issued a show-cause order flagging several of his remarks.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Attorney Benjamin Tolosa, counsel and spokesperson for the prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, has defended his statements as falling within the public domain. His remarks came in response to a show-cause order issued by the Senate impeachment court on September 16, which flagged multiple statements made by Tolosa during the proceedings.
The impeachment court's order required Tolosa to explain the nature and context of the challenged remarks. In his response, Tolosa contended that the statements in question had already been disclosed or discussed in public forums, making them matters of public record rather than violations of court protocols.
The exchange reflects ongoing tensions during the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President. The show-cause order represents the court's effort to maintain order and ensure compliance with rules governing trial conduct and public statements by participating counsel.
The case continues to draw significant public attention as proceedings unfold in the Senate. The court's intervention underscores efforts to regulate commentary by legal representatives involved in the high-profile trial.