Atty. Paolo Panelo Jr., spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte, has urged Sen. Raffy Tulfo to ease his strict questioning and reprimands of defense witnesses during the vice president’s impeachment trial.
Panelo said Tulfo’s manner of questioning could make witnesses nervous, stressing that they are only human and answer questions to the best of their ability.
His appeal followed Tulfo’s remarks against defense witness Suzette Balucanag-Punay, whom he described as unprepared or pretending not to know when she failed to explain Duterte’s alleged loose investments in GenCorp Industries and Metro City Chow Food.
Panelo also asked the Senate Impeachment Court to remind senator-judges to observe proper conduct when questioning witnesses.
Meanwhile, Panelo criticized the questioning of Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, saying it was confusing regarding the issue of Duterte’s alleged receipt of money from corporations and her actual involvement in managing the companies.
The spokesperson’s remarks centered on the treatment of defense witnesses and the manner in which senator-judges conduct their examination during the impeachment proceedings.
Panelo maintained that witnesses should be given the opportunity to answer questions without being unnecessarily intimidated.
