Manila, Sept. 2 -- The Senate Impeachment Court on Wednesday declared Vice President Sara Duterte's former Department of Education (DepEd) chief of staff, Michael Wesley Poa, a hostile witness, allowing the House prosecution to question the now-defense lawyer.

Presiding officer Senator Francis Escudero issued the ruling shortly before private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. began his examination of Poa on DepEd's PHP112.5 million in confidential funds.

"The Chair will proceed to declare Atty. Poa as a hostile witness, therefore giving Atty. Tolosa the right to ask leading questions, but again, as a reminder, not to ask misleading questions," Escudero ruled.

Poa served as DepEd undersecretary, chief of staff, and spokesperson during Dut...