By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — House prosecutors expect their counsel, Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan, to get his chance to explain before the impeachment court the social media post that drew criticism from Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team.
House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the presiding officer had indicated that Ligutan would be allowed to present his side after the Clerk of Court finishes compiling the social media material being reviewed.
The controversy erupted over Ligutan’s post stating that misleading questions are not allowed during cross-examination.
While Ligutan did not mention anyone by name, the defense panel considered the post troubling and interpreted it as a possible reference to defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer.
Adiong said the prosecution is confident that Ligutan will be given an opportunity to clarify his statement in keeping with the principle of fair play.
Ligutan has already denied any improper motive behind the statement.
He maintained that his post merely referred to a basic rule governing cross-examination and insisted that there was neither malice nor anything unlawful in what he wrote.
The issue has nevertheless added another point of contention as the Senate impeachment court enters the seventh week of proceedings.
The prosecution panel, for its part, said it has consistently complied with the rules and directives issued by the impeachment court since the trial began.
Adiong also defended the panel’s dealings with the media, saying prosecutors speak publicly to help explain to Filipinos what is unfolding during the proceedings.
He stressed that both the prosecution and defense have been giving media interviews and that the House panel has observed the court’s instructions.
Despite the dispute involving Ligutan, the prosecution is preparing to proceed with additional testimony on the alleged confidential fund issue.
Three more witnesses are expected to testify, including Gina Acosta and Edward Fajarda, who are expected to appear as hostile witnesses.
Their testimonies could add further detail to the prosecution’s presentation as the impeachment trial moves deeper into its seventh week.
For now, the Ligutan controversy remains before the impeachment court, with the prosecution expecting its counsel to personally answer questions surrounding his post once he is formally given the opportunity to speak.
The prosecution said it will continue presenting its case while adhering to the rules and directives of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
ia/xf
