Manila, Aug. 25 -- Lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro on Tuesday said the House prosecution panel respects the impeachment court's reminder to use careful language, but stressed that prosecutors must communicate accurately as they represent the Filipino people.

Luistro made the statement after defense counsel questioned the use of strong words by prosecutor lawyer Mae Divinagracia near the end of her direct examination of Office of Vice President (OVP) Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio on Day 18 of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.

The defense asked the impeachment court to remind prosecutors to refrain from using terms such as "scam," "mastermind" and "nagsisinungaling (lying)."

Presidi...