Impeachment Proceedings Fair, Says Defense Witness

Defense counsel Michael Poa described Wednesday's impeachment proceedings as "fair" after he testified as a witness and was subjected to rigorous questioning by the prosecution. Poa, who served as Vice President Sara Duterte’s former chief of staff during her tenure as Secretary of the Department of Education, took the stand on the 21st day of the impeachment trial. In a brief statement to the media after the day's proceedings, Poa expressed his gratitude to the prosecution, specifically mentioning Attorney Tolosa, for what he deemed a "quite fair" process. He also extended thanks to the defense's lead counsel, Sheila Sison, for managing their side. During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. and Sison had a heated exchange. At one point, Tolosa referred to Poa as a "lawyer that knew nothing," a remark Sison objected to and moved to strike from the record. Tolosa later clarified that his statement, "walang alam," was in relation to the context of confidential fund usage. Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero ruled in favor of Sison on the objection. However, he also urged the public to be patient with the impeachment proceedings, acknowledging their complexity. Poa indicated his desire to remain neutral throughout the process. The impeachment trial centers on allegations concerning the Vice President's use of confidential funds, a matter of significant political interest in the Philippines.