Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero reminded Vice President Sara Duterte to observe the impeachment court’s rules on public statements concerning the merits of her case during Day 19 of her impeachment trial on Wednesday, August 26.
The reminder came after lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro informed the Senate that Duterte had issued a public statement almost simultaneously with Escudero’s reading of his ruling on the applicability of the sub judice rule.
“I’m aware where you’re leading at, counsel. Naunahan mo lang ako,” Escudero told Luistro, indicating that he was already aware of the issue raised by the prosecution.
Duterte’s statement challenged the House prosecution panel to prove the alleged impeachable offense against her with “evidence—not insults, speculation, or political theatrics.”
Escudero clarified that the rule could not be applied retroactively to Duterte’s statement because it was made while the ruling on the issue was still being issued.
“Given that it was done while the ruling was being issued, prospectivity would still apply,” Escudero said.
However, he instructed defense lead counsel Sheila Sison to remind Duterte of her obligation to follow the rules governing the impeachment proceedings.
“However, the presiding officer would like to remind, through the lead counsel for the respondent, her client to kindly observe the ruling of the presiding officer as well as the rules of the impeachment court, specifically Rule 18, on the subject matter in regard to making comments on the merits of the case,” Escudero said.
The exchange followed Escudero’s earlier ruling emphasizing the importance of impartiality, political neutrality, and fairness in the impeachment proceedings.
The sub judice rule generally seeks to prevent public comments that could affect the outcome or fairness of a pending case. Escudero’s reminder underscored that the rule applies to the conduct of the parties involved in the impeachment proceedings, including restrictions on public commentary about the merits of the case.
