Failure to penalize Duterte's sub judice violations risks court integrity

MANILA — The prosecution team in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case has flagged a critical gap in court discipline, warning that unchecked violations of sub judice rules could erode public confidence in the judicial process.

Private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. made the assessment during a press briefing Monday following a recess in Duterte's impeachment proceedings. He emphasized that the vice president's repeated public statements attacking the Senate Impeachment Court's impartiality represent a serious breach of legal protocol that demands formal sanctions.

The sub judice rule prohibits parties from making public comments that could prejudice pending litigation or undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings. Legal experts have long viewed adherence to this principle as essential for maintaining fair trials and public trust in the courts.

Tolosa's remarks underscore mounting tensions within the high-profile impeachment trial, which has drawn intense public attention and media scrutiny. The case marks one of the most significant constitutional proceedings in recent Philippine history, with procedural and conduct issues taking on heightened significance amid the intense spotlight.