The prosecution gained an early edge in public perception during the opening day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a legal analyst said Tuesday, citing its clearer and more relatable presentation.
Speaking on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” legal expert Atty. Mel Sta. Maria said House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro was more effective in engaging the public compared with the defense panel.
Sta. Maria said the prosecution’s use of plain language helped ordinary viewers better understand the purpose and stakes of the impeachment proceedings, in contrast to the defense’s opening statement, which he described as overly technical.
According to Sta. Maria, the prosecution was able to explain the rationale and importance of impeachment, while the defense focused on asserting Duterte’s innocence.
He noted that while impeachment is both a constitutional and political process, certain stages — including opening presentations and closing arguments — are crucial in shaping public opinion.
“Itong yugtong ito at yung summation at the end 'yan ang magiging political. Dapat ine-exploit mo rin yan. Kaya ang turing ko kung pareho silang magaling pero ang mas naka-resonate sa mga taong nakikinig, mga ordinaryong taong katulad natin, si Congresswoman [Luistro],” Sta. Maria said.
Meanwhile, Sta. Maria also described it as a missed opportunity for Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian not to preside over the trial.
He said Gatchalian could have learned the procedures with minimal preparation, but acknowledged that the Senate may have preferred a lawyer to lead the proceedings.
“In a way loss opportunity it kay Sen. Gatchalian Ito kasi talagang kaunting aral lang naman at makukuha niya na ito ang sistema I think,” the legal expert said.
“Pero siguro mas gusto nila na abogado ang mag-preside, bagama't nagkaroon pa ng distraction dito yung kinwestiyon nila ang pagkatalaga kay Chiz Escudero, pero nasagot naman agad-agad,” he added.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on Monday to begin trial proceedings against Duterte, with opening statements setting the tone for what is expected to be a closely watched political and legal battle.
