PASAY CITY—House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan ended her direct examination on the twelfth day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 4 by sharply dismissing the presented prima facie evidence in an ongoing trial. 

Her strong declaration came during a tense exchange over the alleged misuse of public funds, drawing an immediate objection from the defense.

The argument built up as Kapunan questioned COA auditor Roderick Wamil regarding the administrative and penal sanctions of a joint circular. 

She argued that failing to follow liquidation rules creates a strong legal presumption that funds were taken for personal gain.

Kapunan then ended her questioning with a direct attack on the evidence presented. "Your Honor, please, ang tawag ko lang du'n hindi prima facie evidence, kung ako ang tatanungin. Scam ito!" she said during the end of her direct examination.

Defense attorney Michael Poa immediately moved to remove the remark, stating, "Move to strike, Your Honor." 

Atty. Kapunan then quickly stated, "No further questions, Your Honor.”

Atty. Poa repeated his objection, saying, "Move to strike, Your Honor. That is out of order." 

Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero granted the motion and closed the questioning, declaring, "So is stricken from the record. No further questions. Direct examination is completed."

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