The legal team representing Vice President Sara Duterte has brushed off the prosecution’s claims of early victory, stressing that it is far too early to judge the outcome of the impeachment trial.
Speaking after the second day of the trial wrapped up, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa minimized the impact of the intense courtroom debates, framing the frequent back-and-forth objections from both legal camps as standard courtroom procedure.
”Natural lang naman ‘yan. You will see naman sa lahat ng litigation, sa lahat ng trial proceedings, lalo na sa examination ng witness, talagang magkakaroon ng mga objections ng bawat panig,” Poa stated.
Poa maintained that the defense team’s frequent objections were necessary to protect the integrity of the trial, particularly when the prosecution attempted to ask leading questions. He pointed out that such questions risk steering the witness’s responses instead of allowing for an unbiased testimony.
”Pag ikaw ang nasa direct examination… hindi mo pwedeng i-lead ang witness, meaning hindi ka maaaring magtanong ng questions na answerable by yes or no, kasi parang ikaw na yung sumasagot, ikaw na yung nagte-testify,” he explained.
He also noted that raising these objections ensures the defense’s arguments are officially placed on the record, regardless of how the court ultimately decides to rule.
While members of the House prosecution panel celebrated a “successful day” because several defense motions were rejected, Poa made it clear that his team is looking at the bigger picture rather than short-term optics.
”Pagdating sa defense, we don’t really count wins or losses per day. Lalong-lalo na, we’re only on our first witness and on the second day, so I think for the defense, hindi namin ‘yan binibilang na win or loss kasi masyado pang maaga para magbilang ng ganyan,” he added.
The rigorous legal battle is set to continue as both sides prepare to present further evidence before the Senate impeachment court.