Atty. Reginald Tongol
SENATOR-JUDGE Raffy Tulfo on Monday called on the Senate Impeachment Court to formally admonish its spokesperson, Atty. Reginald Tongol, for publicly stating that a verdict in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial would be reached by December 16.
The request came during Day 33 of the proceedings, shortly after the court had issued a stern reminder to both prosecution and defense spokespersons to avoid making pronouncements to the media that could be interpreted as prejudging the outcome.
“People were calling me over the weekend, saying we have prejudged the outcome since Atty. Tongol told the media that we will have a final verdict by December 16,” Tulfo stated, expressing concern that the public may perceive the timeline as a foregone conclusion rather than a projected schedule.
Presiding Officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified that the December 16 date was derived from a mathematical calculation outlined in the pre‑trial order — accounting for the 61 days allocated to the prosecution to present its case and the 30 days requested by the defense to respond — and was not an official court declaration or predetermined outcome.
“That is based on the calendar in the pre‑trial order. It is based on math. It is not based on the realities on the ground,” Escudero explained, adding that Tongol’s remarks did not represent the official position of the impeachment court. Escudero also noted that the schedule remains subject to adjustment based on actual developments during the trial.
The exchange underscores heightened sensitivity surrounding public communications from the court, amid broader concerns about maintaining impartiality as the proceedings advance. Other senator‑judges have similarly observed that the timeline is provisional and may shift depending on unforeseen delays, the admission of additional evidence, or extensions granted to either side. No formal action was taken against Tongol during Monday’s session, but the court has reiterated that all official updates will be released through proper channels to ensure clarity and fairness.
metrosundaily
