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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Kapunan says no disrespect meant to Padilla, 'Emote lang'

Kapunan says no disrespect meant to Padilla, 'Emote lang'

Published Jul 23, 2026 12:20 am

At A Glance

  • Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan apologizes to Senator Robin Padilla after the July 22 impeachment hearing, saying there was no intent to disrespect him.
  • Kapunan's remarks praise Padilla for bringing color and energy to the trial, while explaining that lawyers instinctively react during litigation.
  • Padilla's reaction prompts Kapunan to assure him of friendship and promise better conduct, noting prosecutors were "trying to behave".
Senator Robin Padilla (left), prosecutor Lorna Kapunan (Facebook)
Senator Robin Padilla (left), prosecutor Lorna Kapunan (Facebook)


Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan, a veteran litigator of almost 50 years, showed grace and humility by apologizing to Senator-judge Robin Padilla on Wednesday, July 22 following Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment hearing.
Kapunan did so in a press conference, where she also gave a vague idea of what irked Padilla.
But first, she praised Padilla as someone who occasionally gives color to the somewhat drab impeachment trial held thrice a week at the Senate session hall.
"Sometimes the Senate impeachment hearings are in black and white, and we're very appreciative that Senator Robin always brings color and surprise and excitement," Kapunan said.
"It's as if--especially if he's the last one to manifest--eh nagigising po kaming lahat. Kanina talaga nagising kaming lahat at pinagalitan pa kami sa front row," said the outspoken lawyer.
(He wakes all of us up. Earlier, we were woken up when he admonished us in the front row.)
"So may I use this opportunity to apologize to Senator-judge Robin. There was no intent to disrespect him," Kapunan said.
She quickly added, as if to also defend herself: "Kaya lang, siyempre pag lawyer ka at nasa litigation ka, e-emote ka eh, mag e-emote ka no. Hindi naman emote na drama, pero it is an instinctive reaction."
(Of course, when you’re a lawyer and you’re in litigation, you will emote, you will show emotion. It’s not drama, but an instinctive reaction.)
Padilla, who rose to fame in the 90s as the "Bad Boy" of Philippine cinema, was quizzing lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro during Wednesday’s hearing when one of his remarks drew a reaction from Kapunan and the others.
Padilla looked offended and asked presiding officer, Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero to keep the prosecutors' behavior in check.
"So Senator Robin, sabi mo kaibigan tayo. Forgive na lang. Hindi na kami ulit dyan," Kapunan said in her mea culpa at the presser.
(So Senator Robin, you said we were friends. Just forgive. We won't do that anymore.)
When pressed on what exactly was the reaction that caught the rookie senator's ire, Kapunan said she could no longer remember.
"As a lawyer, we instinctively react to what is wrong," she said, but nonetheless said the prosecutors were "trying to behave".

Related Tags

Lorna Kapunan Robin Padilla Impeachment Sara Duterte Apology Emote
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