Kristine Ferrer and Lorna Kapunan clash during Sara Duterte trial

Tensions escalated during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 12, 2026, following a heated exchange between defense counsel Kristine Ferrer and opposing counsel Lorna Kapunan.

The confrontation occurred during the cross-examination of Commission on Audit auditor Xylene Del Campo regarding confidential funds. Kapunan objected to Ferrer’s questioning style, stating that “misleading questions are not allowed in court.” Ferrer responded by asserting, “They are allowed.”

Following the incident, defense spokesperson Michael Poa stated there was no intention to disrespect the court or opposing counsel. However, Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon criticized the defense’s subsequent attempts to clarify the exchange, suggesting the defense should not “gaslight” the public regarding the transcript of the proceedings.