During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator-judge Robin Padilla questioned House prosecutor Gerville Luistro about the credibility of witness Arturo Lascañas.Padilla criticized the prosecution for not being 'one-sided,' suggesting their role should be neutral.This remark drew reactions from the prosecution team, who exchanged puzzled looks and briefly interrupted Padilla's questioning.Presiding officer Chiz Escudero called for order amid the commotion.Luistro defended the prosecution's adversarial approach, stating it is inherent to impeachment trials.House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan acknowledged the surprise but emphasized that prosecutors are duty-bound to pursue justice.

The incident highlighted tensions over the role of prosecutors versus defense in political trials, with Padilla's comments underscoring concerns about impartiality.The debate reflects broader challenges in balancing accountability and fairness in high-profile legal proceedings.