Sara Duterte lawyer apologizes to senator-judges over ‘intimidating’ remarks

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer Mark Vinluan, counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte, apologized to the senator-judges Tuesday for remarks that appeared to intimidate the witness or members of the media during his cross-examination of an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) official.

Vinluan had cited penalties under the Anti-Money Laundering Act while questioning AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura about financial confidentiality.

Senator-judges Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III later called out Vinluan over what they viewed as potentially intimidating remarks directed at the witness or the media.

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“When we read portions of the law during our cross-examination, it is never our intention to cause intimidation, especially to the members of this honorable impeachment court,” Vinluan told the court.

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“If in any way a different message was indirectly conveyed, I personally apologize, and commit to be more circumspect moving forward,” he added.

READ: ‘Walang takutan:’ 4 senator-judges call out Sara Duterte’s lawyer

Vinluan explained that his questions were intended to test Buenaventura’s credibility.

“In all humility, our intention in cross-examination is to test the credibility of the witness, among others, and part of testing that credibility is to confront him not just with documents but with salient provisions of the law so we could demonstrate whether or not his application of the law is correct,” he said.

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The apology later drew a lighter moment in the Senate impeachment court after Tulfo said Senator-judge Lito Lapid appeared to be “scared” by Vinluan’s remarks.

Vinluan said he had no intention of intimidating anyone, “especially Senator-judge Lapid,” whom he described as “very gracious” to the defense team.

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“Maraming salamat po sa maja blanca,” Vinluan added, drawing smiles from Lapid and the other senator-judges.