Escudero Appeals for Public Patience Amid Witness Testimony Clashes

The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte saw a courtroom clash on its 21st day, prompting Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to appeal for public and fellow senator-judges’ understanding and patience. The heated exchange occurred during the testimony of Atty. Michael Poa, who was summoned as a witness in relation to the alleged misuse of the Vice President’s confidential funds. Prosecution counsel and spokesperson Benjamin Tolosa Jr. and defense lead counsel Sheila Sison engaged in a verbal sparring match while Poa was on the witness stand. “It is difficult enough for two lawyers to have a battle of wits, let alone three. So we just ask for understanding and patience,” Escudero stated, highlighting the challenge of managing the proceedings. He added, “This is part of the process to protect not only the rights of the respondent, but also the rights of the witness.” Poa, a member of the defense team, was declared a hostile witness by the impeachment court. During direct examination, Tolosa referred to Poa as “the man who knew nothing” to answer state auditors. Sison countered, calling Tolosa’s claims “rhetoric aimed to provide drama.” Escudero later struck the phrase “lawyer who knows nothing” from the record following Sison’s objection. The two counsels also argued over the presentation of playback videos from previous House Committee hearings. Poa previously served as undersecretary, chief of staff, and spokesperson for the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure as Education secretary. Information Source: GMA News Philippines