Impeachment Team Calls for Equal Application of Sub Judice Rule

MANILA — The House impeachment team's adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers on Saturday called for uniform application of the sub judice rule governing Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, insisting that no party should receive special consideration.

"If this Rule 18, the sub judice rule of this impeachment court, is truly to be enforced, it must apply to everybody," Barbers said, emphasizing the importance of impartial implementation of the court's guidelines.

The sub judice rule restricts public commentary on cases under judicial consideration to preserve the integrity of proceedings. Barbers' remarks underscore growing concerns about the consistency with which the impeachment court enforces its regulations as the trial against the Vice President continues.

The statement reflects tensions within the impeachment process, with the House team advocating for transparent and equitable application of procedural rules. The impeachment court has been tasked with balancing the need to maintain judicial impartiality while allowing legitimate public discourse on matters of significant national interest.