No cross-examination was conducted for the prosecution’s first two witnesses — former LandBank branch managers Violeta Constatntino (Shaw Boulevard branch) and Nenita Camposano (DepEd branch), regarding Article I or the alleged anomalous use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Defense Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa, they saw no issues in the witness’s testimony that needed further probing.

“Wala namang kwestonable. Wala namang damaging na nailabas ang ating witness at regular lang naman na yung witness ay nag-identify ng mga tseke at hindi naman natin kini-question yun. So, I didn't want to prolong the proceedings, and you know, be petty by asking questions pa kung hindi naman kinakailangan,” he explained

[“There was nothing questionable. There was no damaging raised by the witness, and the checks were regularly identified, and we aren’t questioning that. So, I didn't want to prolong the proceedings, and you know, be petty by asking questions if it’s no longer needed.”]

The defense only asked two brief questions to the second witness, Nenita Camposano.

Poa explained why he did not give much weight to the bank manager’s remark as ‘unusual’.

“Well, kasi yung unusual para sa akin, that's the opinion nung bank manager. I don't see how it will affect the case. Hindi naman siya matter at issue dito. Hindi naman kine-question yung validity noong encashment, diba? So I thought it was petty for us to even dwell on that,” he said

[“Well, for me, the unusual remark is the opinion of the bank manager. I don't see how it will affect the case. It’s not a matter or an issue here. It doesn't question the validity of encashment, right? So I thought it was petty for us to even dwell on that.”]

From the defense team’s perspective, not every matter must not undergo lengthy cross-examination, especially if there is no direct relation to the primary issue that needs to be addressed in the trial.

“Sa amin naman po, hangga't makakaya, kung pwede namang hindi na kuwestiyonin ng mga bagay-bagay, in terms of official documents etc., hindi na ko rin naman po gagawin, hindi na lang gagawin ng defense team.” Poa said

[“For our part, as much as possible, if the key matters in terms of official documents, etc. doesn’t need to be questioned, I won’t do it, the defense team won’t do it.”]

Atty. Poa clarified, however, that this does not mean the defense agrees with all the witnesses' testimony.

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