Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution panel, criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team, alleging that one of her attorneys displayed temperament issues during the Senate impeachment trial proceedings.
Speaking to reporters following the cross-examination by defense lawyer Atty. Kristine Ferrer, Ridon observed that the defense counsel appeared overly hostile toward everyone present in the chamber.
“Una sa lahat parang may anger issues yung defense,” Ridon remarked.
“Parang sinisigawan niya ‘yung witness, sinisigawan niya ‘yung opposing counsel, sinisigawan niya ‘yung presiding officer,” he added.
When asked if he viewed the attorney’s conduct as unprofessional, Ridon stated that the behavior was out of line.
“Obviously disrespectful to the court, to the parties and to the witness. I think that is all for everyone to see,” he replied.
Beyond the courtroom demeanor, Ridon emphasized critical admissions made during the testimony regarding confidential funds.
He pointed to statements from Duterte’s former special disbursing officers, who revealed that secret funds were handed over to members of the Vice President Security Group (VPSG)—a unit non-organic to either the Office of the Vice President or the Department of Education.
“Pero very important, kitang-kita naman ho yung mga sagot po kanina. Una yung VPSG (Vice President Security Group). Hindi po yan organic sa OVP, tsaka sa DepEd. So ang kwestiyon pa rin dun yung ibinigay na confidential funds,” Ridon said.
“Pangalawa, yung pinapakita po nilang confidential activities ay hindi ho nakadikit doon sa paggamit ng confidential funds,” he continued.
“Yun ang kailangan nilang ipaliwanag. Bakit nagbigay ng pera para sa gamot? Bakit nagbigay ng pera para sa other supplies? Hindi nila yun maipaliwanag kanina. Yun po muna, pero anger issues, mga kaibigan,” Ridon concluded.