Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong suggested that the defense camp may have been frustrated by the performance of private prosecution panel member Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking at a press conference, Adiong pointed out that Tolosa’s questioning exposed uncertainties from defense witness and Davao City Assessor Engr. Jaime Adalin regarding points the defense aimed to prove before the impeachment court.
“Personal observation ko, mukhang napikon lang sila doon sa performance ni Atty. Jay Tolosa dahil na-reveal niya […] na hindi sigurado, hindi sure, hindi certain yung mga testigo sa dapat nilang testiguhan at dapat nilang patunayan,” Adiong said.
Adiong emphasized that witnesses are expected to solidify their respective sides’ arguments and substantiate their assertions, noting that the defense witnesses fell short of this expectation during the proceedings.
The lawmaker’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by defense lead counsel Sheila Sison regarding potential violations of the sub judice rule by prosecutors through recent media engagements.
While acknowledging the defense’s prerogative to raise such matters before the court, Adiong called on the defense panel to advise Duterte against making remarks that could undermine the credibility of the impeachment court and the senator-judges.
“Kasi ang sub judice rule, mag-a-apply po yan, most especially kung sino po ang nasa trial ngayon,” he added.