A ranking congressman has called out impeachment trial respondent Vice President Sara Duterte's defense lawyers for supposed acts in violation of decorum.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 15, House Deputy Speaker Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun told the defense panel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, as he emphasized that the conduct of counsels inevitably reflects on the client they represent.

“The Filipino people are closely watching these proceedings. Every word uttered and every action taken inside the impeachment court reflects not only on counsel, but also on the principal they have chosen to defend,” Khonghun said, referring to Duterte.

The Deputy Speaker issued the statement following presiding officer Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's admonition against defense counsel over remarks directed at fellow lawyers during the trial

“Ang impeachment trial ay hindi entablado para sa pang-iinsulto, panlalait, o personalang komentaryo. Ang dapat manaig ay respeto—respeto sa Constitutional Tribunal, respeto sa kapwa abogado, respeto sa mga testigo, at higit sa lahat, respeto sa taumbayan," Khonghun said.

(The impeachment trial is not a stage for insults, ridicule, or personal commentary. What must prevail is respect—respect for the Constitutional Tribunal, respect for fellow lawyers, respect for the witnesses, and above all, respect for the people.)

The House leader stressed that witnesses who appear before the impeachment court perform a public duty and deserve to be treated with dignity, regardless of which side called them to testify.

“Maaaring kuwestiyunin ang testimonya ng isang testigo. Maaaring himayin ang kanyang ebidensya. Ngunit hindi kailanman dapat mawala ang paggalang sa taong tumutupad sa kanyang tungkulin sa ilalim ng panunumpa," he said.

(A witness’s testimony may be questioned. His evidence may be dissected. But respect for the person fulfilling his duty under oath must never be lost.)

He emphasized that while lawyers are duty-bound to defend their clients zealously, they must do so with civility and respect befitting officers of the court.

“May kasabihan sa legal profession: lawyers speak for their clients. Kaya kapag paulit-ulit na nawawala sa tamang asal ang counsel, hindi maiiwasang magtanong ang publiko kung ito rin ba ang uri ng asal na kinakatawan nila. Bilang mga abogado, may pananagutan silang itaguyod ang dangal ng propesyon at ng kanilang kliyente," he underscored.

(There is a saying in the legal profession: lawyers speak for their clients. So when counsel repeatedly loses proper decorum, the public cannot help but ask if this is also the kind of conduct they represent. As lawyers, they have the responsibility to uphold the dignity of the profession and of their client.)

According to Khonghun, the impeachment proceedings are unlike ordinary litigation because they are being conducted before the entire nation--the youth and students included.

Khonghun said that while both the prosecution and the defense have every right to vigorously argue their respective positions, neither side should sacrifice professionalism.

“Kaya iwanan natin ang drama, ang snide remarks, at ang hindi kinakailangang personalan. Ang nararapat manaig sa isang constitutional tribunal ay matitibay na argumento, maayos na asal, at paggalang sa hukuman, sa kapwa abogado, sa mga testigo, at sa taumbayan," he said.

(So let us leave behind the drama, the snide remarks, and the unnecessary personal attacks. What must prevail in a Constitutional Tribunal are solid arguments, proper conduct, and respect for the court, for fellow lawyers, for the witnesses, and for the people.)