THE sub judice rule prohibiting public statements on the ongoing impeachment trial should also apply to Vice President Sara Duterte as the respondent, House Prosecution team spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said Sunday.
The trial spokesperson made the statement as Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is expected to rule Monday on the application of Rule 18 of the impeachment rules, which prohibits the prosecution, respondent, their counsels, and witnesses from making public comments or disclosures concerning the merits of a pending impeachment trial.
“Basta po sa pag-promote at pag-uphold ng integrity ng korte, dapat maski sino man ‘yan, maski anong panig man ‘yan, kung meron po siyang ginawa o sinabi labag po doon sa mga rules sa ating Senate impeachment court, dapat po sitahin talaga ‘yan,” Adiong said in a radio interview.
“Dapat po talaga sitahin ‘yan at hindi po dapat magiging selective lang ang ating approach pagdating po doon sa pagme-maintain ng integridad ng impeachment court,” he added.
The Vice President, however, had made statements outside the impeachment court questioning the integrity of the impeachment trial, suggesting that the law is being “bent.”
For the prosecution panel, Adiong said the sub judice rule must be applied consistently to all parties.
“Kaya nga po may sub judice rule dahil to promote and to protect and preserve the integrity of the proceedings of the impeachment court. So, how much more can a person be allowed to attack and assail the integrity of the impeachment court?” he questioned.
Adiong emphasized that the prosecution panel has been complying with all directives of the Senate impeachment court since the beginning of the proceedings.
“Kasi kami po sa House Prosecution panel, we’ve been very, very compliant sa lahat po ng naging direktiba ng impeachment court,” he said.
“Compliant naman po kami, very respectful naman po kami sa lahat po ng binibigay na direktiba ng korte,” he added.
Adiong cited one of the prosecution’s most recent compliance with the impeachment court’s order, which was to meet with the defense and compare acknowledgement receipts.
However, he said the defense instead chose to “ghost” them despite the directive.
“In fact, yung order po ng korte na dapat mag-meet ang defense at saka ang prosecutor para magkaroon po ng markings at exchanges ng mga dokumento, ginhosting naman po tayo ng defense at hindi ho sila pumunta,” he added.
Should the Senate impeachment court issue any ruling regarding media engagements and public statements made by the parties, Adiong said the prosecution would likewise comply.
“Kung ano po man ‘yung magiging direktiba ng korte bukas, patungkol po sa mga pag-engage into media interviews ng mga both prosecution and the defense, we will comply and we will adjust accordingly,” he said.
The Senate impeachment court will resume hearing the prosecution’s evidence on Monday for Article I, which accuses Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds in 2022 and 2023.
The next witnesses expected to testify include House Legislative Information Bureau Director Marivic Pareja, OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, and OVP special disbursing Officer Gina Acosta.
metrosundaily
