Senate impeachment court reinstates sub judice rule on all Duterte articles

MANILA — The Senate impeachment court has restored restrictions on public commentary concerning the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, applying the sub judice rule to all articles filed against her, regardless of their current status.

In an order dated November 5, the court reversed a previous ruling by presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero that had lifted the sub judice restriction. The reinstatement of the rule means media coverage and public statements about the case will be subject to judicial limitations designed to protect the integrity of proceedings.

The sub judice rule prohibits discussion of matters under judicial consideration to prevent prejudicing the case. The court's decision affects not only active articles in the impeachment trial but also those withdrawn by prosecutors, extending the restriction's scope significantly.

The reversal represents a shift in how the court has chosen to manage information flow surrounding the high-profile case. Vice President Duterte faces impeachment proceedings in the Senate, with various articles having been introduced during the proceedings.

The court's action underscores ongoing tensions between ensuring fair judicial proceedings and maintaining public access to information about matters of national significance.