Adiong: Ligutan should get chance to explain
‘Both sides have been open to interviews; all of the directives of the Impeachment Court have been complied by the House Prosecution Panel.’
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‘Both sides have been open to interviews; all of the directives of the Impeachment Court have been complied by the House Prosecution Panel.’
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House trial spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the House prosecution panel expects private prosecutor Atty. Armando Virgil Ligutan to explain a social media post that drew the attention of the impeachment court.
“The presiding officer has said that Atty. Ligutan will be given the opportunity to also air his side after the Clerk of Court compiles the post that they saw on social media,” Adiong said in a radio interview.
Ligutan’s post came after a heated exchange between prosecution lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan and defense lawyer Atty. Kristine Ferrer over whether misleading questions are allowed during cross-examination.
“A principle ALL lawyers and law students know by heart: Misleading questions are NOT allowed even on cross-examination,” Ligutan posted.
Duterte’s lead counsel, Atty. Sheila Sison, raised the post during the 15th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, calling it “troubling” and potentially violative of Rule 18 of the impeachment rules.
Sison said the post was in “bad taste” and inappropriate because it appeared directed at Ferrer.
Impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he would rule on the matter Monday, 17 August, after considering the public remarks of both sides. He also said Ligutan would be allowed to address the issue.
“We expect the Presiding Officer will hold true to his words and we also do not doubt he will allow Atty. Ligutan to speak in the interest of fair play,” Adiong said.
Adiong also rejected Escudero’s observation that “one side” of the impeachment proceedings had been “crossing the line many times” in its public statements.
He maintained that the House prosecution panel had complied with the impeachment court’s directives.
“Both sides have been open to interviews; all of the directives of the Impeachment Court have been complied by the House Prosecution Panel,” he said.
