Defense lead counsel Atty. Sheila Sison criticized a Facebook post by private prosecutor Atty. Amando Ligutan over comments concerning “misleading questions” during the impeachment trial.
Sison said Ligutan’s post appeared to target defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer over her cross-examination. Ligutan wrote that misleading questions are not allowed even during cross-examination.
Sison described the post as “in bad faith” and “in bad taste,” saying that all lawyers are members of the Bar and should show respect for one another as officers of the court.
Sison said Ferrer was not referring to misleading questions when she said “they are allowed.” According to Sison, Ferrer was referring to leading questions, which are allowed during cross-examination.
Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said Sison needed to respond after Ligutan’s post circulated on social media.
Poa also said they wanted Ligutan to have an opportunity to explain his side, particularly because he was not allowed to speak before the impeachment court.
Ligutan is scheduled to speak Monday before the impeachment court issues its ruling.
In an ambush interview, Ligutan said his Facebook post had no bad intention. He said it was his right to post and that his only point was to discuss the existing rule concerning misleading questions.
Ligutan also maintained that there was no bad faith or malice in his post. He said he would not delete it because he believes he did not violate the sub judice rule.
The exchange has centered on the distinction between misleading and leading questions during cross-examination and public discussion of the issue on social media.
Sison’s comments focused on Ligutan’s post and its characterization of the questions raised during the trial, while Ligutan defended his right to discuss the rule.
The dispute comes as the impeachment court prepares for Ligutan’s appearance Monday before issuing its ruling.
