Sara Duterte Defense Rejects Claims of Early Victory as Senate Impeachment Trial Continues

Sara Duterte Defense Rejects Claims of Early Victory as Senate Impeachment Trial Continues

Legal Team Says Objections Are Routine and Urges Public Not to Judge Case After Two Days of Proceedings

The legal team representing Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed suggestions that the prosecution gained the upper hand during the second day of the Senate impeachment trial, emphasizing that the proceedings remain in their early stages and that courtroom objections are a normal part of the judicial process. Defense lawyers urged the public not to interpret procedural rulings as indicators of the case’s eventual outcome, saying their focus remains on protecting the vice president’s legal rights throughout the trial.

The Senate impeachment proceedings continued with the prosecution presenting its first witness, while the defense challenged portions of the evidence introduced during the hearing. Several objections raised by the defense were overruled, prompting public discussion over whether the prosecution had gained momentum.

Defense Says Trial Is Too Early for Winners or Losers

Addressing comments from members of the prosecution who described the day’s proceedings as a victory, the defense firmly rejected the characterization.

According to defense lawyers, the impeachment trial is still in its opening phase, making it premature to declare either side ahead. They stressed that the legal team does not evaluate each day’s proceedings based on the number of sustained or overruled objections but instead focuses on building its overall defense strategy.

The lawyers added that every objection serves a legal purpose by preserving issues for the official record, regardless of how the Senate impeachment court rules on each one.

Why the Defense Continues to Raise Objections

The defense explained that objections are an important safeguard in any legal proceeding, particularly when documentary evidence is introduced.

While formal objections to documents are often made when evidence is officially offered, the legal team said it believes certain concerns should be raised immediately during witness examination to ensure they become part of the trial record.

Counsel noted that some of the documents presented by the prosecution are already covered by motions seeking their exclusion. The defense argued that several pieces of evidence may fall outside the original impeachment complaint or concern matters they believe should not be considered under the constitutional framework governing impeachment proceedings.

Constitutional Rights Remain Central to Defense Strategy

Reporters also questioned whether Vice President Sara Duterte could eventually be compelled to testify regarding allegations discussed during the proceedings.

The defense declined to speculate, explaining that no formal motion has yet been filed requesting such testimony.

Lawyers emphasized that the Philippine Constitution clearly protects an accused individual from being forced to testify against themselves through the right against self-incrimination. Should the prosecution formally seek to require Duterte’s testimony, the defense said it would respond through the appropriate legal channels before the Senate impeachment court.

Defense Avoids Comment on Presiding Officer Questions

The legal team also declined to weigh in on public discussions surrounding the role of the Senate’s presiding officer during the impeachment proceedings.

Defense counsel said the issue has not been discussed internally and that no official position has been adopted. They noted that any party participating in the impeachment trial is free to raise legal concerns if deemed appropriate but stressed that the defense remains focused on addressing the evidence presented against Vice President Duterte.

Remarks on Questions Raised by Senator-Judges

Asked about comments made by one of the senator-judges regarding the relevance of video evidence, the defense maintained that members of the Senate impeachment court are entitled to seek clarification during the proceedings.

Counsel said they respected the senator’s explanation that the questions were intended to better understand the evidence rather than to express conclusions about the merits of the case. The defense added that decisions regarding courtroom procedure ultimately rest with the Senate’s presiding officer.

Defense Focused on the Case, Not Public Commentary

Throughout the press conference, the defense repeatedly emphasized that it intends to remain focused on presenting its legal arguments rather than responding to political commentary or public debate surrounding the impeachment proceedings.

Lawyers said the defense respects the positions taken by both the prosecution and lawmakers involved in the process but believes the outcome of the trial should ultimately be determined by the evidence and the rule of law.

As the Senate impeachment trial moves forward, both sides are expected to continue presenting witnesses and documentary evidence. The defense reiterated that procedural objections are a standard feature of legal proceedings and should not be interpreted as a measure of either side’s success while the case is still unfolding.

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