Politics · Philippines Bureau
VP Duterte's Defense Lawyer Declared Hostile Witness in Impeachment Trial
The Senate impeachment court took an unusual turn on Wednesday during the 21st day of Vice President Sara Duterte's trial, designating her own defense counsel as a hostile witness for the prosecution. The move allows prosecutors expanded questioning powers in the high-stakes case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered contentious new territory on Wednesday as the Senate impeachment court declared her defense attorney a hostile witness, a rare procedural move that fundamentally altered the dynamics of her defense strategy.
Former Education Undersecretary Michael Poa, who has been representing Duterte throughout the proceedings, was reclassified as a hostile witness on day 21 of the trial. Presiding Officer Senator Francis Escudero granted private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. the authority to conduct leading questions during cross-examination, a privilege typically reserved for witnesses deemed unfavorable to the party calling them.
The designation represents a significant development in the trial, which has gripped the nation since its inception. The reclassification of Duterte's own counsel as hostile suggests potential conflicts or credibility issues have emerged regarding his testimony or role in the proceedings.
The impeachment case against Duterte has drawn intense scrutiny as it unfolds in the legislative branch. Legal observers noted that having a defendant's own attorney declared hostile is an extraordinary occurrence that could complicate her defense strategy going forward.
The trial continues as senators weigh evidence and testimony in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant constitutional proceedings in recent Philippine history.