MANILA – Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Chiz Escudero on Monday allowed private prosecutor Atty. Amando Ligutan to ask leading questions after the court declared Gina F. Acosta a hostile witness during the 16th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Escudero clarified, however, that the ruling does not allow Ligutan to ask misleading questions during his examination of Acosta.

“The court hereby declares the witness to be a hostile witness… this only gives Atty. Ligutan the right to ask leading questions. Still not allowed to ask misleading questions,” Escudero said.

Escudero also noted that Ligutan was aware of the distinction, apparently referring to the prosecutor’s viral social media post. Ligutan responded, “Yes, your honor.”