Sara Duterte defends counsel Sheila Sison against bullying accusations in impeachment trial

In the ongoing impeachment case, private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan called lead defense counsel Sheila Sison a bully for repeatedly using terms like “persecution” and “denial of due process.” Vice President Sara Duterte defended Sison, saying the accusation was a convenient way to demonize a lawyer defending against powerful political forces. Duterte pointed to the defense team's extensive preparation since 2023, noting sleepless nights and family time sacrificed.

She maintained that the impeachment itself is a form of political persecution aimed at her. The presiding officer, Francis Escudero, rejected a motion to strike the word “persecution” from the record, allowing the defense’s language to remain. The dispute arose after the prosecution dropped three of four articles, leaving only a charge of unexplained wealth for further pursuit.