Defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer on Wednesday urged House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan to refrain from making side comments during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying such remarks have no place in the courtroom.

Ferrer made the manifestation before the Senate Impeachment Court on the 15th day of Duterte’s trial, citing Kapunan’s earlier remarks such as, “I was about to spank her” and “I was about to lecture her.”

“We would like to ask this court to not allow side comments like ‘I was about to spank her,’ ‘I was about to lecture her,’ kasi yung mga ganun walang lugar dito sa courtroom,” Ferrer said.

“Because we are all lawyers here. We are all professionals. Igalang naman ho natin yung kapwa natin na lawyer,” she added.

Ferrer also noted that Kapunan has 48 years of legal experience, compared with her 15 years, saying lawyers should respect one another and refrain from comments that could be captured by the media.

Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero acknowledged Ferrer’s concern but noted that Kapunan had already withdrawn the remarks.

“Although you are correct, it was already heard since we’re on TV, Atty. Kapunan withdrew that statement earlier, if I remember correctly,” Escudero said.

Kapunan confirmed the withdrawal and assured the court she would remain composed.

“Yes, in fact, I hope it was also part of the records that I promise to behave,” Kapunan said.

Escudero then thanked both parties and reminded them to maintain restraint as the proceedings continued.

The exchange came after tensions briefly escalated between Kapunan and Ferrer during Wednesday’s hearing, prompting Escudero to call for a more orderly and professional atmosphere inside the impeachment court.