Impeachment court's sub judice rule binds VP Duterte, Senate rules

MANILA — The sub judice rule governing the Senate impeachment court applies equally to Vice President Sara Duterte, not just to the senator-judges and legal representatives involved in the case, according to a ruling issued by Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero.

Escudero made the clarification in a formal pronouncement before the impeachment court, emphasizing that the rule—which restricts parties from making statements that could prejudice the proceedings—extends to the accused vice president herself.

The sub judice rule is a longstanding legal principle designed to protect the integrity of judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings by preventing prejudicial commentary that could influence the outcome. The application to Duterte signals that she must refrain from public statements regarding the impeachment case while it is pending before the Senate court.

The ruling underscores the Senate's commitment to maintaining the decorum and impartiality of the impeachment proceedings. The impeachment case against Duterte has drawn significant public attention, making the enforcement of such rules critical to ensuring a fair hearing.

Escudero's clarification comes as the Senate impeachment court continues to hear arguments in the high-profile case involving the vice president.