The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte expressed satisfaction with the first day of the Senate impeachment trial, describing the proceedings as orderly despite exchanges of arguments between the prosecution and defense.
Speaking to reporters after the adjournment of the first day's proceedings, defense spokesperson and counsel Atty. Michael Poa said both sides were able to present their positions in a smooth and professional manner.
“Okay naman, it went smoothly. Actually, we're very happy the way the first day of trial went. I think for both sides naman, it went smoothly. Obviously, there were arguments. I'm sure, 'yan ang mga napansin n'yo, may arguments from both sides. But again, that's normal. Talaga namang inaasahan na magkakaroon ng mga ganyang opposing views ang bawat panig. But so far, I think it was a good first day for everyone,” Poa said.
Asked whether the defense believed it had gained an advantage during the opening session, Poa dismissed the idea of keeping score between the two camps.
“Wala, hindi naman ayaw namin magbilangan ng ganyan. I think it's just that as long as we present our case and present what we want for the day, we should be happy. Hindi naman po kami yung tipong nagbibilangan pa sinong lamang, sinong hindi lamang,” he said.
Poa also said he had yet to speak with Vice President Duterte following the day's proceedings, explaining that the defense team had just concluded its internal meeting.
“Hindi pa po kami nag-uusap sa ngayon because I just came from the defense huddle. But siguro baka mamaya ang gabi or tomorrow makapag-usap kami,” he said.
When asked about the election of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court, amid constitutional concerns raised by some senator-judges, Poa declined to comment, saying the matter is for the Senate to resolve.
“We always felt that this was something for the Senate to settle. Nagkaroon nga ng mga arguments kanina, constitutional issues actually. So ayoko na muna sigurong mag-comment out of respect for our Senators because there were manifestations made, there were objections made on record. So siguro hindi appropriate for the defense right now to comment on that,” Poa said.
He added that the defense respects the senator-judges and believes it is appropriate to allow the Senate to address procedural and constitutional questions arising during the trial.
The Senate impeachment court adjourned after completing the opening day of proceedings, with both the prosecution and defense formally presenting their appearances and addressing preliminary matters before the presentation of evidence begins.
