MANILA — The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio denied accusations that it is deliberately delaying the Senate impeachment trial, insisting it wants the proceedings concluded as swiftly as possible while safeguarding the respondent’s legal rights.
Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa dismissed allegations circulating on social media that the defense panel has been employing dilatory tactics, particularly after a series of objections raised by defense counsel Carlo Joaquin Narvasa during the trial’s second day.
“That’s totally untrue. That was never even discussed within the defense team,” Poa said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.
“If that’s their opinion, that’s okay. But at least on our end, wala kaming napag-uusapan at all about that because, you know, we also don’t want to subject the respondent to such a prolonged proceeding, and even as lawyers, siyempre gusto na rin namin, as much as possible, na matapos sa lalong madaling panahon itong impeachment trial,” he added.
Poa said the defense has no interest in unnecessarily prolonging the proceedings, stressing that objections would only be made when necessary to protect Duterte-Carpio’s rights.
He said both the prosecution and defense are expected to help keep the trial moving efficiently while ensuring due process is observed.
The issue surfaced after senator-judge Bam Aquino urged both camps to streamline the proceedings and refrain from excessive objections that could unnecessarily prolong witness examinations.
Aquino noted that nearly nine hours had already been spent on the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness, National Bureau of Investigation Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated and investigated the video in which Duterte-Carpio allegedly made grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Poa reiterated that the defense has no intention of extending the proceedings beyond what is necessary.
The Senate impeachment trial is expected to run for as many as 92 hearing days over a period of up to eight months./PN
