Defense questions use of AI images - Philstar.com
Defense counsel challenged the use of AI-generated images representing cash bags during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte
- Incident date
- Aug 2026
- Target
- Sara Duterte
During the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 18, 2026, the defense team formally challenged the prosecution's use of artificial intelligence-generated imagery. The dispute arose when private prosecutor Amando Ligutan attempted to present AI-created visuals to a witness during proceedings.
What happened
The incident occurred while the prosecution was questioning Gina Acosta, a former disbursing officer for the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The prosecution presented AI-generated pictures depicting four bags that allegedly contained P125 million in cash, which the witness had reportedly received from Landbank.
Defense counsel Lindon Miguel Bacquel immediately raised an objection to the introduction of these images. Bacquel argued that the defense could not verify whether these AI-generated visuals provided an accurate representation of the prosecution's claims regarding the confidential funds. Michael Poa, acting as a spokesman for the defense, later addressed the matter during a press conference. Poa suggested that while the prosecution might have intended to use the graphics for illustrative purposes, the defense felt compelled to object due to concerns regarding the general accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content in a legal setting.