House prosecution spokesperson Representative Zia Alonto Adiong believes the defense camp may have been "irked" by the performance of prosecution counsel Atty. Benjamin Jay Tolosa during Tuesday's impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During a press conference, Adiong said Tolosa's questioning exposed the uncertainty of defense witness Davao City Assessor Engr. Jaime Adalin regarding matters the defense intended to establish before the impeachment court.
"Personal observation ko, mukhang napikon lang sila doon sa performance ni Atty. Jay Tolosa dahil na-reveal niya [...] na hindi sigurado, hindi sure, hindi certain yung mga testigo sa dapat nilang testiguhan at dapat nilang patunayan," Adiong said.
He argued that witnesses are expected to strengthen their respective parties' cases and establish the truth of their claims, but maintained that the defense witnesses failed to accomplish this during their testimonies.
Adiong's remarks came after defense lead counsel Sheila Sison raised concerns that some prosecutors may have violated the sub judice rule through their media interviews and press conferences.
While recognizing the defense's right to raise possible violations before the court, Adiong urged the panel to advise Duterte against making statements that allegedly undermine the integrity of the impeachment court and the senator-judges.
"Kasi ang sub judice rule, mag-a-apply po yan, most especially kung sino po ang nasa trial ngayon," he added.
