Sheila Sison's Objections Stir Up Philippine Corruption Trial

In a dramatic turn of events within a Philippine corruption trial, lead defense counsel Sheila Sison has become a focal point for her persistent and numerous objections during the prosecution's cross-examination of a key witness. Her assertive legal maneuvers have injected considerable tension into the proceedings. Sison's presence took center stage on Wednesday morning, September 2, when she announced her intention to personally cross-examine fellow defense lawyer Michael Poa. Poa, considered a significant asset to the defense, was being questioned by seasoned prosecutor Jay Tolosa, who has handled major cases. Sison's decision to take the lead in questioning Poa underscored his importance to their case. Tolosa aimed to establish that Poa had prepared the Department of Education's (DepEd) response regarding the use of confidential funds. However, the former DepEd chief of staff was reportedly unaware that security personnel handled the said money. Sison, however, immediately challenged Tolosa's opening statement, labeling it mere rhetoric. She also took offense at the prosecution's use of the phrase “abogadong walang alam” (a lawyer who doesn’t know anything) in reference to Poa. Tolosa clarified that this was based on Poa's repeated statements in Congress that he knew nothing about the use and liquidation of the confidential funds. Sison countered that more respectful phrasing could have been used if that was the intention. This contentious start set the tone for the trial. Sison and Tolosa engaged in heated exchanges, occasionally punctuated by sharp remarks. A notable clash occurred when Tolosa interrupted Poa's response to a question about rewards related to surveillance activities. Sison insisted that Poa be allowed to fully answer the query. Throughout Tolosa's direct examination, Sison raised a multitude of objections on various grounds, including the use of the word "whatever" and questions deemed misleading or argumentative. Presiding officer Chiz Escudero sustained most of these objections. Sison's continuous objections visibly impacted Tolosa's examination, leading to moments where he fumbled with documents or periods of silence. Deputy defense spokesperson Justin Nicol Gular explained that the defense was merely fulfilling its duty by raising objections when warranted and that the number of objections depended on the prosecution's questions, not a predetermined strategy. Nevertheless, Sison's aggressive courtroom tactics have fueled speculation about whether her approach is a deliberate strategy to unsettle the prosecution. Information Source: Rappler Philippines