Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa on Wednesday said there was no intention to disrespect anyone during a tense exchange between fellow defense lawyer Atty. Kristine Ferrer and House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan on the 15th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Poa was asked to comment on Kapunan’s remarks during the break that she expected Ferrer to be respectful, noting that she had raised her sons to avoid being disrespectful.

“Maybe Atty. Kristine was highly charged,” Poa said. “Every lawyer has his or her own style, pero I don’t think naman na Atty. Kristine was disrespectful kanina. So, I don’t want to comment any further.”

“But for me, I’m sure there’s no intention to disrespect anyone, be it the opposing counsel, the witness, or the honorable court,” he added.

Poa said lawyers have different approaches in handling cases, which may have been evident throughout the impeachment proceedings.

“I’m sure you can tell after seeing different faces, different lawyers the past few weeks,” he said.

Asked whether he had spoken to Ferrer following the tense exchange earlier in the day, Poa said he had not.

“We usually let the lawyers handle themselves the way they’re used to handling themselves,” he said.

Poa attributed the change in tone during the afternoon proceedings partly to the nature of the questions and objections raised.

“Siguro noong umaga, yung nature ng questions, nature ng objections, tapos sa hapon medyo nag-iba na yung nature of questions,” he said.

“There’s really no intention to disrespect anyone on our part, and I’m sure especially kahit naman yung prosecution nakita naman natin there’s no intention to disrespect anyone,” Poa added.

Earlier Wednesday, Ferrer urged Kapunan to refrain from making side comments during the impeachment trial, saying such remarks had no place in the courtroom.

Ferrer cited Kapunan’s earlier remarks, including “I was about to spank her” and “I was about to lecture her,” during the proceedings.