PRIVATE prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan warned Tuesday that Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s legal team could use disagreements over the length of time allotted for its defense presentation as the basis for a new appeal to the Supreme Court. Speaking on the program On Point, Kapunan expressed concern that the defense might deliberately prolong proceedings or later claim due‑process violations if the Senate impeachment court adjusts the schedule now that three of the four articles have been withdrawn. “They are planting seeds of distrust that they can later harvest before the High Court as grave abuse of discretion,” she cautioned.
Kapunan noted that before the case was narrowed, Duterte’s counsel had requested 30 trial days to respond to all four charges — a timeframe she believes should be substantially revised since only Article II, on unexplained wealth, remains. The prosecution’s decision to drop the articles on confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats means the defense no longer needs to address those separate allegations, yet Kapunan fears the defense may insist on the full original allocation and then cite any reduction as unfair treatment.
The veteran lawyer emphasized that such procedural disputes could delay a final verdict, regardless of the strength of the evidence presented. She urged the impeachment court to be clear and consistent in its scheduling rulings to preempt potential appeals, while affirming that the defense is entitled to a fair opportunity to present its side. Duterte’s lawyers have not issued a formal response to Kapunan’s remarks, and the Senate has yet to issue a final schedule for the defense presentation beginning November 9.
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