Defense touts VP Sara's 80% Bar exam score; Escudero says comment disparages lawyers

The defense lawyer of Vice President Sara Duterte touted her 80% Bar exam score during her ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan cited the Vice President’s score during the cross-examination of the prosecution witness, lawyer Jeremy Lotoc, formerly of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division.

Lotoc was testifying for the prosecution, particularly on Article 4, which alleges that the Vice President committed culpable violation of the constitution, high crimes, and betrayal of public trust.

Vinluan asked Lotoc if he was aware that the Vice President is a lawyer and a bar exam passer, to which Lotoc said yes.

Vinluan then went on to say “[She did it] with a first attempt and with a rating of 80%. Are you aware of this? She has a higher grade than most of the lawyers here. But are you aware that she also worked as a court attorney?” Vinluan said.

Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan then vehemently objected, citing relevance.

Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Senator Chiz Escudero sided with Ligutan, saying that Vinluan’s comments were immaterial, if not disrespectful.

“Objection relevant. Also, .... kindly avoid those disparaging statements given that there are a lot of lawyers here and you don't know what their grades are,” Escudero said.

Vinluan then said, “We will comply, your honor.”

Article 4 stems from the Vice President’s November 2024 press conference statements, which went: "Huwag kang mag-alala, Ma'am, sa security ko, kasi may kinausap na ako na tao. Sabi ko sa kanya, kapag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez.”

(Don't worry about my security because I have already spoken to someone. I told that person that if I am killed, kill BBM, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez.)

"No joke, no joke. Nagbilin na ako, Ma'am. 'Pag mamatay ako, sabi ko, huwag ka tumigil hanggang hindi mo mapatay sila. And he said yes."

(No joke. I already gave instructions that if I die, don't stop until you have killed them.)

Vinluan's cross-examination of Lotoc was followed by the prosecution's questioning. —LDF, GMA News