Escudero sets rules on public statements in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA – Presiding Officer Francis Escudero on Wednesday issued a ruling establishing guidelines for public statements and social media posts by participants in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.

The ruling addresses communications made by senator-judges and legal counsels both inside and outside the impeachment court, as the trial entered its 19th day of proceedings. The directive aims to regulate discourse surrounding the high-profile case being heard in the Senate.

Escudero's ruling follows various public statements and posts made by trial participants since the proceedings began. The presiding officer sought to establish clarity on acceptable conduct and communications by those directly involved in the impeachment case.

The full video of Escudero's ruling announcement was made available to the public, allowing transparency in how the trial is being administered. The guidelines are expected to shape how senator-judges and counsels engage with media and the public during the remainder of the trial.

The impeachment trial of the Vice President remains one of the most closely watched political proceedings in recent Philippine history, with numerous rulings expected as the case progresses through the Senate.