Senator-judge Pia Cayetano expressed frustration with the prosecution panel following its cross-examination of witness Chadrin Parian during the ongoing proceedings.
Parian had confirmed that Atty. Manases Carpio paid for shoes purchased at Nike Pavilion Kuala Lumpur for young athletes of “Elite Philippines.”
The shoes reportedly cost ₱256,882.50.
Cayetano criticized the line of questioning raised by prosecution lawyer Atty. Reynaldo Robles, saying it appeared to portray concern for the young athletes as something negative.
She also strongly questioned Robles’ decision to ask Parian where the young players were studying.
The senator-judge expressed dissatisfaction with the way the prosecution handled the witness’ testimony, particularly the questions concerning the athletes and the purchase of their shoes.
The exchange drew reactions from other senator-judges, who also took part in the discussion following Cayetano’s remarks.
Among those who subsequently spoke were Senate President Pro Tempore Migz Zubiri, Sen. Joel Villanueva and Sen. Robin Padilla.
The questioning centered on Parian’s confirmation that Carpio had paid for the footwear purchased for the young players, with the reported total reaching ₱256,882.50.
Cayetano’s remarks focused on the prosecution’s approach to examining the witness, particularly its questions about the athletes’ educational backgrounds.
The discussion highlighted the disagreement over how the prosecution questioned Parian regarding the purchase of the shoes and the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
The testimony and the subsequent exchange among the senator-judges brought attention to the reported payment made by Carpio for the footwear intended for the “Elite Philippines” players.
