Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution questions defense tactics in Duterte impeachment trial
Prosecutor Lorna Kapunan challenged the defense's cross-examination strategy during the 37th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, suggesting it was designed to confuse the public rather than clarify facts.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered its 37th day Friday as the prosecution raised concerns about the defense's approach to questioning a key witness from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Prosecution counsel Atty. Lorna Kapunan objected to the defense's line of questioning directed at BIR chief of staff Atty. Anne Loraine Garcia-Marquez, characterizing it as potentially misleading to the public. Kapunan's intervention highlighted growing tensions between the opposing legal teams over courtroom tactics and the presentation of evidence.
The cross-examination centered on issues related to the BIR's role in the ongoing impeachment case against Duterte. The prosecution's objection underscored differing interpretations of proper questioning procedures and raised questions about the clarity of testimony being presented to the Senate impeachment court.
The trial continues to focus on allegations against the Vice President, with both prosecution and defense presenting their respective cases through witness testimony and documentary evidence. Friday's session demonstrated the contentious nature of the proceedings, as legal representatives spar not only over substantive matters but also over the methods used to extract and present information.