Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday, September 1, dismissed a circulating image allegedly showing Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio wearing an earpiece during previous hearings of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero said the image being circulated online was not authentic and was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
“Again, to reiterate, hindi totoo yung lumalabas na mga litrato na diumano merong earpiece si Mr. Ortonio, yun po ay AI,” Escudero said.
He clarified that what Ortonio was wearing was an ear piercing, specifically a front fold helix piercing, and not an electronic listening device.
“What he had was a front fold helix—an ear piercing in the front fold helix of his ear. Not an earpiece,” Escudero explained.
The presiding officer also reminded witnesses appearing before the impeachment court that the use of gadgets or listening devices is prohibited while they are on the witness stand.
Escudero said the prohibition remains in effect during recess and until a witness is formally discharged from the proceedings.
He further emphasized that witnesses must provide testimony based solely on their own personal knowledge and must not be coached or influenced by their counsel or any other person while testifying.
The warning came as the Senate impeachment court continued proceedings in the case involving Duterte, with Ortonio having previously appeared as a witness for the prosecution.
Escudero said violations of the court's rules may result in corresponding penalties.
