A brief exchange between the prosecution and defense drew attention during Day 17 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday, August 24, after private prosecutor Atty. Amando Ligutan objected to a question from defense counsel Atty. Lindon Bacquel during the cross-examination of former Office of the Vice President (OVP) Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta.
Bacquel asked Acosta whether the repetition in her answers during the proceedings was due to the prosecution repeatedly asking her the same questions.
“Ma’am Gina, kaya po ba paulit-ulit ’yung sagot niyo kanina kasi paulit-ulit lang rin po ’yung tanong sa inyo?” Bacquel asked.
Ligutan immediately objected, describing the question as “vague.”
“Objection, that’s vague! Vague!” Ligutan said.
Bacquel then withdrew the question, telling the impeachment court, “I withdraw, Your Honor.”
Ligutan responded with a pointed, “Nice try! Vague.”
Bacquel again formally withdrew the question before Ligutan added, “You should.”
The brief exchange occurred at the conclusion of Bacquel’s cross-examination of Acosta, who has been declared a hostile witness in the proceedings.
Acosta’s testimony has been closely examined by both sides as the impeachment court considers the handling and liquidation of confidential funds allegedly released by the OVP.
Earlier in the hearing, Ligutan also questioned Acosta over what he described as possible “selective memory,” citing differences in her recollection of confidential fund transactions and events in Davao City.
The proceedings are part of Article I of the impeachment case against Duterte, which alleges the misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and the Department of Education.
