Congressman Benny Abante spotted nodding off during Vice President Duterte's impeachment hearing
During Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Congressman Bienvenido “Benny” Abante was publicly noted for falling asleep in the gallery.
On the day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceeding, Senator Chiz Escudero called out Congressman Bienvenido “Benny” Abante for appearing to doze off in the gallery. Escudero asked fellow lawmakers to nudge Abante, noting his fatigue and humorously linking it to the recent approval of the 2027 budget. Lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro lightened the moment with a joke about prayer, which Escudero acknowledged but dismissed.
When questioned, Abante claimed the defense counsel's line of questioning was boring and caused his brief lapse. He is not part of the prosecution team but has been a regular observer and an original endorser of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. The episode highlighted the tense atmosphere of the trial and the long hours lawmakers have been working.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the high-profile nature of the impeachment trial and the pressure on legislators attending it.
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