The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said it is too early to determine victories or setbacks in the ongoing impeachment trial, emphasizing that the proceedings are still in their early stages.

In a press conference after the second day of the trial, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said objections raised during the hearing are a normal part of any court proceeding, particularly during the examination of witnesses.

"Natural lang naman 'yan. You will see naman sa lahat ng litigation, sa lahat ng trial proceedings, lalo na sa examination ng witness, talagang magkakaroon ng mga objections ng bawat panig," Poa said.

Poa explained that the defense raised objections because some questions from the prosecution were perceived to be leading, which he said could improperly influence a witness’s testimony.

"Pag ikaw ang nasa direct examination... hindi mo pwedeng i-lead ang witness, meaning hindi ka maaaring magtanong ng questions na answerable by yes or no, kasi parang ikaw na yung sumasagot, ikaw na yung nagte-testify," he said.

He added that the defense raises objections to ensure that their legal positions are properly recorded, regardless of whether the court sustains or overrules their motions.

Responding to claims from some members of the House prosecution panel that they gained an advantage during the hearing due to several defense objections being denied, Poa said the defense does not measure the proceedings through daily wins or losses.

"Pagdating sa defense, we don't really count wins or losses per day. Lalong-lalo na, we're only on our first witness and on the second day, so I think for the defense, hindi namin 'yan binibilang na win or loss kasi masyado pang maaga para magbilang ng ganyan," Poa said.

The impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte is set to continue as both the prosecution and defense present their respective evidence before the Senate impeachment court.