Defense team did not intend to threaten anyone – Poa

MANILA, Philippines — It was not the intent of Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team to threaten any party when one of its counsel pointed out possible violations of bank secrecy laws in presenting Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents before the Senate impeachment court, said defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.

Poa made the pronouncement after the conclusion of the 33rd day of Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday, which got heated on the part of the defense after four senator-judges called out one of its counsel, Atty. Mark Vinluan.

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

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Vinluan raised possible administrative and criminal liability against those who disclose and report confidential information, including the media, during his cross-examination of AMLC secretariat executive director Ronel Buenaventura—which to some senator-judges, bordered on intimidation.

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“We regret that they felt that way. I think for Attorney Vinluan, that was not the intention. I think he was just reading the law and he just wanted to raise that with the witness,” Poa said in a chance interview.

“But again, we regret if any senator felt that way because, as you know, it’s not the intention to threaten anyone,” he added.

Asked if the defense already has plans to make amends on how the senator-judges perceived his cross examination, Poa responded with uncertainty, pointing out that it is up to Vinluan to lead their cross.

“The defense really did not intend to threaten anyone, or at least create a perception of threatening anyone and that, of course, includes the senator judges, the witnesses, and even the media,” reiterated Poa.

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Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo was among those who took the floor and called out Vinluan, reminding him that the Senate impeachment court had already allowed the disclosure of AMLC records during the trial.

He went as far as telling the defense lawyer to give the court a break and not to intimidate anyone.

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Senator-judge Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, for his part, shared Tulfo’s sentiments by stating that Vinluan’s argument was “uncalled for.”

For Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros, it was wrong for Vinluan to “even indirectly” threaten the media, adding that there should be no “chilling effect” on the “Fourth Estate.” /cb