During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, her defense lawyer Mark Vinluan brought up her Bar exam score as part of his cross-examination of witness Jeremy Lotoc.Vinluan claimed Duterte scored 80% on her first attempt, placing her among topnotchers, which sparked reactions from lawyers and court staff.Some attendees smirked or laughed, prompting a Senate staff member to ask for silence.

House prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan questioned the relevance of the remark, while presiding officer Chiz Escudero warned against disparaging statements in the courtroom.The discussion highlighted that Bar scores do not define legal competence, as topnotchers like Leila de Lima and Reynaldo Robles were present.Vinluan's argument suggested Duterte, being a skilled lawyer, would not have made public assassination threats if they were genuine.However, critics argue that passing the Bar on the first attempt does not equate to professional capability.The incident underscores the tension between legal credentials and courtroom behavior during high-profile trials.