VP Duterte’s defense: Objections ‘natural’ even if overruled

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel on Tuesday maintained that the numerous objections raised by their counsel during the second day of the impeachment trial were a “natural” part of trial proceedings, even if most of these motions were overruled. During a press conference after the conclusion of Tuesday’s proceedings, Atty. Michael Poa, who serves as the defense’s spokesperson, shrugged off the many objections overruled by Presiding officer and Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero. “That is only natural. You will see in any litigation or trial proceeding, especially during the examination of witnesses, that objections will inevitably be raised by both sides,” said Poa. According to Poa, the defense counsel objected as much as they did due to alleged “leading questions” made by the counsel of prosecutors during the examination of digital evidence presented through witness National Bureau of Investigation Senior Agent John Mark Calilung. He also explained that whether those objections were overruled did not matter as long as their position was “put on record.” “It is only natural to have such objections, and naturally, we want to put our objections on record,” said Poa. “…that’s up to the court, whether the objection is sustained or overruled. That’s okay with us as long as we put things on record,” he added. Poa then also maintained that the defense team does not count “wins or losses per day,” especially at this point in the proceedings where they are only at the second day of the trial. He said this in response to House prosecution spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who earlier said that the prosecution panel was “claiming victory” due to the number of overruled objections by the defense team. “I am not opposing Cong. Adiong, as that is their position; however, from the defense’s perspective, we do not view this in terms of wins or losses, as it is still too early for us to keep score in that manner,” said Poa.