Vice President Sara Duterte responds in her impeachment trial to remarks by private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan, who calls Duterte’s lead defense counsel, Sheila Sison, a “bully.” Duterte says the label is an attempt to vilify the person presenting her defense and argues the defense is being subjected to an “overwhelming” display of political power.
Kapunan’s comments come as Duterte’s legal team prepares to present its side of the case. Separate reporting also notes that the prosecution has withdrawn three of the four impeachment articles, affecting how both sides frame their positions and strategy during the trial. Duterte’s camp positions Sison’s aggressive statements as part of countering the prosecution’s case, while Kapunan’s remarks are framed as criticism of the defense counsel’s conduct in court.
Other outlet coverage includes a private prosecutor’s admonition to Duterte to focus on building a defense rather than portraying herself as a victim, reflecting differing emphasis on courtroom conduct and trial messaging.
