Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecutor objects to 'persecution' language in Duterte impeachment trial
Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro has challenged the defense team's repeated use of the word 'persecution' during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, arguing the language unfairly targets those supporting the prosecution.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A key member of the prosecution team objected Tuesday to terminology employed by the defense during the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing concerns about fairness to prosecution supporters.
Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro, serving as lead prosecutor, took issue with defense counsel's repeated invocation of the word "persecution" while discussing procedural matters related to the trial. The objection came as defense lead impeachment counsel Sheila Sison raised the term during deliberations on trial-related issues.
Luistro argued that the language choice was inequitable to individuals assisting the prosecution effort, though details of the specific context in which the term was employed were not immediately disclosed. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between opposing legal teams as the trial proceeds through its various phases.
The impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte represents a significant constitutional proceeding in the Philippines, with multiple legal representatives advancing competing arguments on behalf of the complainants and the accused. The trial continues to address procedural and substantive matters as scheduled.