The impeachment court ordered the removal of prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr.’s “abogadong walang alam” remark from the official record after the comment drew a rebuke during proceedings involving former DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa.
Tolosa later apologized, explaining that his remark was directed at Poa’s earlier claim that he had no knowledge of the Department of Education’s 2023 confidential funds. But presiding officer Francis Escudero ruled that the statement crossed the line, calling it discourteous and inappropriate for the court.
The exchange showed how tense the impeachment trial has become, with lawyers pressing hard on testimony while the court tries to keep the process within proper bounds. Sharp questioning may be part of litigation, but personal insults are another matter—especially in a proceeding carrying national weight.
By striking the remark from the record, the court sent a clear reminder to both sides: the impeachment trial may be political in consequence, but it still has rules, decorum, and standards that participants are expected to follow.