Vice President Sara Duterte‘s lead defense counsel said Monday that appearing before the Senate impeachment court is not significantly different from practicing before regular courts, except for the intense public attention surrounding the proceedings.
Speaking after the first day of the impeachment trial, Atty. Shiela Sison said the legal work remains essentially the same despite the historic nature of the case.
“There’s really no difference from our normal work as lawyers when we appear before the courts,” Sison said.
She acknowledged, however, that the impeachment trial comes with a level of public scrutiny that ordinary court proceedings do not.
“The biggest difference is that everyone is watching,” she said.
Asked whether she felt additional pressure because of the intense media and public attention, Sison admitted she was nervous.
“Yes. Like now, I’m nervous,” she said with a laugh, adding that she is not yet accustomed to such publicity.
Despite the pressure, Sison said confidence in handling a high-profile case comes from thorough preparation rather than chance.
She added that she is simply performing her duty as a lawyer representing her client.
“I believe confidence is something we all have to work for,” Sison said.
