Luistro tells Padilla: Conviction is not a ground to disqualify witness

Senator-judge Robin Padilla (Photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER.net) MANILA, Philippines — House prosecution lead counsel Rep. Gerville Luistro argued briefly on Wednesday with Senator-judge Robin Padilla after the latter requested to avoid taking to the witness stand persons who may be facing legal cases. Padilla was referring to the prosecution’s first two witnesses – National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, and NBI senior agent John Mark Calilung. Previously, Lotoc admitted to facing cases in the past, explaining that it is part of his job as an agent of the NBI. Article continues after this advertisement “I hope we can avoid providing witnesses who have perjury charges… What I am talking about is our two beloved witnesses, Atty. Jeremy Lotoc and NBI agent Calilung, who are currently facing perjury cases,” Padilla said, addressing the prosecution. In response, Luistro told Padilla that witnesses with cases or convictions are not automatically disqualified to testify. “Conviction is not a ground for disqualification, unless it is final, and unless it is punishable by more than one year, and that the crime constitutes moral turpitude,” Luistro explained. WATCH: Luistro rejects ‘mini-trial’ label in Duterte impeach case She also “took exception” to Padilla’s manifestation, saying, “We were able to verify already that there are no cases pending against the prosecution witnesses.” Article continues after this advertisement Then, Padilla hit back, wishing that the prosecution would not be “one-sided.” Before the senator-judge could continue, members of the House prosecution panel murmured in a mix of disbelief or confusion. Some were observed making puzzled facial expressions. Article continues after this advertisement Counsel for the prosecution Amando Ligutan, confused by Padilla’s request, put his hands apart as though gesturing that there was a disconnect in the senator-judge’s statement. Rep. Ysabel Zamora, on the other hand, was seemingly stifling her laughter, while counsel Lorna Kapunan put her palms together in a praying position, covering her face. Noticing the commotion, Padilla cried out that such noise was not allowed in court. “They are not allowed to make noise. This is a court. I was interrupted,” Padilla strongly complained. He then continued on, asking Luistro what the prosecution was trying to say. He was comparing the situation to the senators who are currently facing charges and are not allowed to sit in the trial. Luistro dodged the question, saying Padilla was previously referring to the prosecution’s witnesses. Padilla said what he wanted to know was whether or not the persons taking the stand were previously pronounced guilty or not in criminal courts. The congresswoman asked for a clarification on Padilla’s question. But instead of answering, the senator-judge told Luistro: “You have no right to ask.” With no conclusion on the matter, Padilla moved on to his next set of questions. /apl Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.