‘Erroneous’ news scored; transcript cited as defense

We wish to call attention to the news article titled “Cuevas runs rings around the prosecution,” written by Christian V. Esguerra. (Inquirer, 1/19/12) In the 13th and 14th paragraphs, the following is stated: “Tupas’ inexperience as a trial lawyer seemed obvious. Enrile seemed irritated when the congressman sought to clarify whether he was ‘asking the counsel for the defense to advise our witness.’

“‘Not your witness… but to advise the respondent,’ Enrile told him. ‘I think the gentleman knows the meaning of the word respondent.’”

Had Esguerra been listening attentively to the proceedings, he would have heard Senate President Enrile say “counsel for the defense to advise witness.” All of us in the Senate session hall heard Enrile say “witness.” That was precisely why Representative Tupas sought the clarification because what Enrile said was confusing. The transcript of the impeachment proceedings in the Senate that day would bear this out.

Esguerra should pay more attention to the proceedings so he can get his facts straight, as what is required of news reporters. He has wrongly cast the prosecution, particularly Representative Tupas, in a bad light by his lack of zeal in doing his job as a news reporter for a respected and widely read newspaper as the Inquirer. This is most unfair.

—YVONNE ANGELI LEE TUPAS,

chief of staff,

Office of Rep. Niel C. Tupas Jr.

Here’s the relevant part of the proceedings.

Enrile: May I request the counsel for the respondent to please advise the witness to surrender the SALN and advise your client that the… (discussion with Cuevas follows)

Enrile: May I request counsel to please advise the respondent (Cuevas: We did…) in this case to please bear with this court and please allow the presentation of the SALN.

Cuevas: We have advised…

Tupas: Mister, Mister President, please. Mr. Senate President? Mr. Senate President? Please…Mr. Senate President?

Enrile: What’s the pleasure of the gentleman from the House?

Tupas: Yah, because we heard that the Senate President is asking the counsel for defense to advise our witness? (Because) she is our witness…

Enrile: Not your witness. To advise the respondent or…

Tupas: OK, that’s clear.

Enrile: I think the gentleman knows the word respondent.

Tupas: Yes, yes, thank you, thank you.

—CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA,

reporter, Inquirer