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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara Duterte's camp dismisses debate over 'winner' of trial's opening day

VP Sara Duterte's camp dismisses debate over 'winner' of trial's opening day

Published Jul 6, 2026 08:03 pm
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday, July 6, that they were happy with how the first day of the impeachment trial went.
Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesman for the defense team, said the trial "went smoothly" as both sides laid out their arguments.
"There were arguments from both sides, but again, that's normal. Talaga namang inaasahan na talagang magkakaroon ng mga ganitong opposing views ang bawat panig (It's really expected that there would be opposing views). But so far, I think, it was a good first day for me," Poa said in a press conference held after the trial.
Whoever won the first day of trial, Poa did not mind. He said he wouldn't want to be tallying scores.
"As long as we present our case and present what we want for the day, we should be happy," he said.
"Hindi naman po kami yung tipong magbibilangan ba kung sinong lamang, sinong hindi lamang (We are not the type to keep score or see who is ahead)," he added.
Lawyer Sheila Sison, the lead defense counsel, emerged as a formidable voice for Duterte's defense team as she delivered their statement and confronted the prosecution’s legal arguments.
Sison, during her 16-minute speech, laid out the defense’s case for due process, fairness, and strict adherence to the Constitution.

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Sara Duterte Michael Poa IMPEACHMENT Senate
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