PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, acting as presiding officer of the impeachment court, instructed a prosecution witness on Tuesday, September 22, to request permission before consulting any materials while testifying.
The directive was issued during the 28th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings after defense counsel Roberto Batungbacal pointed out that Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Division Chief Rendell Sopeña was looking at a paper while on the stand.
“We just noticed that the witness has notes. May we just find out what those notes are, Your Honor?” Batungbacal said.
When questioned by Escudero on whether he was reading from personal notes, Sopeña answered, “No, Your Honor.”
Clarifying the nature of the paper, the witness stated it was “just a copy of the documents” and added that it was “Not in relation to what I just replied po, Your Honor.”
Following the exchange, Escudero formally admonished the witness regarding court protocol.
“Before you refer to a document, kindly ask the permission of the court,” Escudero said.
Sopeña offered an apology to the tribunal before proceeding with his testimony.