Kapunan, Ferrer bury hatchet

Nearly a week after their heated exchange became the highlight of the 15th day of the impeachment trial, private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan and defense lawyer Atty. Kristine Ferrer put their differences to rest.

Before Monday’s proceedings, Kapunan approached Ferrer in the Senate plenary hall. The two lawyers exchanged a hug and chatted for a few minutes while waiting for the session to begin.

The light moment came days after Kapunan repeatedly questioned Ferrer’s method of cross-examining state auditor Xylene Mae del Campo.

Kapunan had accused Ferrer of asking “misleading questions,” arguing that such questions were not allowed even during cross-examination.

“Never mind if you are on cross…misleading questions are not allowed even on cross. I don’t think I need to lecture you on that,” Kapunan said.

“They are allowed,” Ferrer insisted.

As tensions rose, impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged the two lawyers not to let their emotions get in the way of their respective duties.

Kapunan, however, quipped: “Your Honor, please, I’m preventing myself from giving her a spanking.”

Ferrer responded that she respected the veteran litigator, calling Kapunan her “idol.”

Nothing personal

In an interview after last Monday’s hearing, both lawyers said their courtroom clash was nothing personal and that they remained on good terms outside the proceedings.

“Yeah, we’re okay… Attorney Lorna and I are actually okay. She’s like a mother,” Ferrer told reporters.

Kapunan said she advised the younger lawyer to stay away from social media, warning that public figures can be subjected to harsh criticism online.

“Don’t look at social media because sometimes it’s very hurting,” Kapunan said she told Ferrer. “She said, ‘Okay.’ She also said, ‘We’re good, we’re good.’”