Prosecution lawyer sparks heated exchanges in VP Duterte trial

In the 21st day of the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, prosecution lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr. adopted a surprisingly aggressive stance, contrasting with his usual mild-mannered demeanor. This shift led to heated exchanges with the witness and the defense team, creating a tense atmosphere in the courtroom. The prosecution had called lawyer Michael Poa to the stand as a hostile witness. The defense, led by Sheila Sison, objected to Tolosa's line of questioning, with Tolosa referring to Poa as an "abogadong walang alam" (a lawyer who knows nothing). Sison requested more professional language, suggesting "a witness with no knowledge." Presiding officer Judge Escudero sided with Sison, ordering Tolosa's comments to be stricken from the record. Further clashes occurred when Tolosa attempted to offer stipulations on Poa's competence, which Sison deemed unnecessary. Escudero urged Tolosa to move on, calling the exchanges "intramurals." The defense also objected to the prosecution's attempt to "read third-party statements" of Poa, arguing that Tolosa's questioning was non-sequitur. Tolosa countered that the defense was using the opportunity to "pontificate" their case, to which Escudero responded that the prosecution had also engaged in similar behavior. Tolosa's litigation style differed significantly from previous prosecutors, contributing to a tension-filled session. However, he managed to extract a confirmation from Poa that he had prepared the Department of Education's defense regarding confidential spending, despite not being aware of a security officer handling the secret funds. Tolosa boasts an impressive legal portfolio, having represented American soldier Joseph Pemberton in the killing of Jennifer Laude. His other clients include major mining companies, Philippine Airlines, and the local affiliate of Philip Morris International. This background suggests he is no stranger to contentious courtroom proceedings. "It's nothing personal. We're just doing our jobs," Tolosa stated after the trial. Information Source: Rappler Philippines