Repetitive impeachment issues reflect unchanging truth, prosecution argues

MANILA — Lawyer Lorna Kapunan, part of the prosecution team in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, on Tuesday characterized recurring questions about confidential fund usage as a natural consequence of factual consistency.

Kapunan responded to observations that certain matters—particularly youth summits cited as justification for discretionary spending—have been addressed multiple times during the trial. She contended that the appearance of repetition stems from the immutable nature of the underlying facts.

"Truth is never new," Kapunan stated, suggesting that returning to the same issues reflects the prosecution's obligation to establish a coherent evidentiary record rather than any lack of substantive argument.

The prosecution panel has been examining how the Vice President's office justified expenditures from confidential funds, with youth summits featuring prominently in their questioning. The trial has included extended examination of these events as prosecutors attempt to establish patterns in fund allocation and usage.

The impeachment proceedings continue as both prosecution and defense present their cases before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.