PHLorna Kapunan, counsel for the prosecution in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, accused the defense panel of attempting to shift focus from the impeachment proceedings to a separate criminal case. During a press briefing, Kapunan stated that the defense emphasized grave threats and inciting to sedition charges, which should be handled in lower courts, thereby misleading the public about the impeachment process. She clarified that while a criminal case involving sedition and grave threats is ongoing with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the impeachment case concerns the fitness of Duterte to serve due to allegations of betraying public trust and violating the Constitution. Kapunan expressed appreciation for the senator-judges who redirected discussions back to the impeachment merits. Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan questioned the distinction between felonies and crimes during cross-examination of NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, who testified regarding the grave threats charge.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the impeachment case as a legitimate legal proceeding focused on the fitness of a public official, contrasting it with the defense's emphasis on criminal charges. The language suggests concern over the defense's attempts to mislead the public and shift attention away from the core
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports Escudero's announcement about the subpoena ruling. It is generally neutral but focuses on the upcoming developments, which might give a slight procedural bias.
