Impeachment teams reassess spokespersons after court ruling on media conduct

MANILA — The opposing counsels in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial indicated they would evaluate whether to make changes to their respective spokespersons after Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero issued a ruling on the sub judice rule this week.

Escudero clarified on Wednesday that Rule 18 of the court's procedural rules places strict limitations on public commentary regarding the ongoing trial. The provision aims to prevent prejudicial statements to the media that could influence proceedings or public perception of the case.

The sub judice rule, a longstanding judicial principle, prohibits parties and their legal teams from making extrajudicial statements that could prejudice the fairness of ongoing proceedings. Escudero's clarification was intended to ensure all parties understood their obligations under the impeachment court's established guidelines.

Both the prosecution panel backing the impeachment complaint and the vice president's defense team signaled they would convene internally to assess whether their current spokesperson arrangements align with the court's directives. The decision underscores the heightened scrutiny surrounding public communications throughout the high-profile impeachment trial.

The impeachment case against Vice President Duterte remains one of the most closely watched political proceedings in the country, with strict adherence to court procedures essential to maintaining the integrity of the process.