# Sara Duterte impeachment trial

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sara-duterte-impeachment-trial
> Updated: 2026-08-12T11:23:13.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has seen significant legal maneuvering and courtroom tension. Early proceedings highlighted the approach of private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan, who emphasized that her courtroom performance is the result of rigorous preparation and decades of experience rather than showmanship.

By mid-August, tensions escalated during the cross-examination of Commission on Audit auditor Xylene Del Campo regarding confidential funds. A confrontation occurred between Kapunan and defense counsel Kristine Ferrer, with Kapunan objecting that “misleading questions are not allowed in court.” While defense spokesperson Michael Poa stated there was no intention to disrespect the court, Representative Terry Ridon criticized the defense for attempting to “gaslight” the public regarding the official transcript.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Kristine Ferrer and Lorna Kapunan clash during Sara Duterte trial

Defense counsel Kristine Ferrer and Lorna Kapunan clashed during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial over the legality of misleading questions during cross-examination.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kristine-ferrer-and-lorna-kapunan-clash-during-sara-duterte-trial

### 2026-08-06: Lorna Kapunan stresses preparation over showmanship in Duterte impeachment trial

Lorna Kapunan says her effective role in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is due to 48 years of experience and thorough preparation, not a courtroom masterclass.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lorna-kapunan-stresses-preparation-over-showmanship-in-duterte-impeachment-trial

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Cite as: Sara Duterte impeachment trial. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sara-duterte-impeachment-trial