Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa clarified his repeated objections during House Prosecutor Rep. Leila de Lima’s opening statement on Day 10 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying his actions were meant to protect the rights of the defense and were not intended to disrespect the veteran lawmaker.
During a defense press conference after Wednesday’s proceedings, Poa expressed his respect for De Lima and explained that the objections were raised after parts of her statement allegedly contained conclusions that should be established through evidence and witness testimony.
“With all due respect to Rep. De Lima, I have the utmost respect to her, so I did not mean to offend her at all,” Poa said.
Poa explained that the defense had already raised a similar concern in a previous proceeding, where opening statements allegedly went beyond presenting an overview of the case and moved into conclusions of law.
“Nagkaroon na kasi ng isang pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng opening statement ang prosecution, and in a way nagkakaroon po kasi ng tinatawag nating ‘conclusions of law,’” he said.
According to Poa, allegations against Vice President Duterte should be proven through the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence rather than through statements made during opening remarks.
“Sa pananaw ng defense dapat yan sa kanila pinapatunayan nila through their witnesses and not through statements,” he said.
Poa said he initially hesitated to interrupt De Lima while she was speaking, describing such interruptions as disrespectful. However, he said the defense felt it was necessary to object because statements made on record could still influence public perception even if later stricken from the official record.
“Actually ayoko sanang mag-interject in the middle of her speaking kasi it's quite disrespectful talaga to do that,” Poa said.
“Ang magiging problema natin katulad noon is pag nasa record na kahit na i-strike off natin yan, narinig na po ng ating mga kababayan at baka ma-condition ang mind sa mga kababayan natin.”
Poa emphasized that the defense has yet to present its own evidence and said the objections were intended to ensure fairness throughout the proceedings.
“’Yan lang naman iniiwasan natin. But I have to say again, I'd like to pay my utmost respect for Rep. De Lima for being patient also with the objections I recorded earlier,” he added.
During the trial earlier in the day, Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero stopped De Lima’s opening statement after multiple objections from the defense, reminding the prosecution to avoid making conclusions of fact and law and to proceed with the presentation of witnesses.
