SENATE impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday directed Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense panel to remind her to observe his recent ruling on the sub judice rule, which restricts public comments on the merits of the ongoing trial.
The directive came after House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro brought to the floor a statement Duterte issued earlier that day, criticizing the conduct of the proceedings and urging that accusations be proven with evidence rather than insults or theatrics.
Escudero acknowledged that the vice president’s statement was released while he was in the process of issuing the ruling, meaning the prohibition applies prospectively. Even so, he stressed that the vice President — as a lawyer herself — is bound by the court’s rules and must refrain from commenting on the case while it is pending.
“Henceforth, given the prospectivity of the ruling, necessary actions will be taken against her not only by the court, but also given that she is a lawyer,” Escudero warned, emphasizing that officers of the court are held to a higher standard of conduct.
Duterte’s statement had called for fairness, saying the charges against her should be supported by evidence rather than insults, speculation, or political theatrics.
While the presiding officer did not cite a violation regarding that particular statement, he made clear that the sub judice restriction now covers all parties, including the respondent. Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison formally took note of the reminder, signaling that the defense panel would communicate the court’s expectation to the vice president moving forward.
metrosundaily
