Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo on Monday refuted allegations that he slept during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying that he was merely looking down at his phone to check text messages while listening to the proceedings.
Panelo made the statement on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s At The Forefront with Atty. Karen Jimeno after House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon claimed that Panelo may have missed key details of the trial because he allegedly dozes off during the impeachment sessions.
Ridon’s statements came after Panelo previously dismissed the prosecution’s witnesses as “worthless and useless.”
Responding directly to the accusation, Panelo cited his regular media appearances where he answers detailed queries regarding the trial.
“Use your common sense. How can I respond to all the questions of the reporters on matters that were taken in the impeachment court if I were sleeping?” Panelo said.
The former presidential counsel pointed out that he has consistently answered questions regarding every witness that takes the stand.
Addressing the visual layout of the courtroom, Panelo demonstrated how leaning forward while reading messages can give a false impression on camera.
“Sabi nila, kasi naka-ganyan ako, looking at my phone reading text messages. At the same time, kadalasan, naka-ganyan ako. Tinitignan ko yung text, habang nakikinig,” Panelo explained.
‘Alam mo, pag ang screen mo lang ay sa akin, akala mo tulog ako. But common sense ka nga. Kung natutulog ka, hindi ka makakasagot sa mga tanong ng mga reporters kasi lahat tinatanong,” he added.
When asked about his sharp counter-attack against Ridon, wherein Panelo claimed he does not respond to “nonsensical remarks made by any member of Congress who has been fired for corruption”, Panelo reiterated that his statement applies to anyone making absurd claims about his attentiveness during the ongoing proceedings.