Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Court addresses counsel's remarks, hears OVP funds testimony

The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte continued on its 19th day, with the Senate impeachment court addressing statements made by a House prosecution counsel. Amando Ligutan reportedly made social media posts that the defense claimed alluded to remarks by one of their lawyers during the proceedings.

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WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN.

Presiding officer Francis Escudero indicated he would rule on the matter before the defense could proceed with cross-examining Lemuel Ortonio, Assistant Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Ortonio, who testified as the prosecution's second hostile witness, provided details on the processing and utilization of the OVP's confidential funds. Earlier, Ortonio stated he personally paid P150,000 to cover a confidential operations request related to OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica.

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I hope senator judges shall refrain from unparliamentary remarks, personal attacks, imputations of improper…

Escudero reminded the senator-judges to uphold impartiality, political neutrality, and parliamentary decorum. He urged them to "refrain from unparliamentary remarks, personal attacks, imputations of improper..." The court aims to "extend grace, exercise liberality, and wipe the slate clean" regarding prior statements but will strictly enforce rules moving forward.

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PROVE WITH EVIDENCE, NOT INSULTS, SPECULATION OR POLITICAL THEATRICS

Vice President Duterte has called on prosecutors and members of Congress to present evidence rather than insults, speculation, or political theatrics to prove alleged impeachable offenses. Ligutan defended his social media post, explaining it was intended to uphold the law and educate the public, not to target the defense, likening it to a "teacher's instinct" to correct. The defense is expected to question Ortonio further on the confidential fund matters.

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CORRECTING A MISTAKE IS NEVER WRONG