Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate impeachment officer warns Duterte to respect court restrictions
Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero has instructed Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team to ensure their client abides by the sub judice rule during her ongoing impeachment trial. The directive comes as prosecutors raised concerns about statements made outside the courtroom.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero issued a formal reminder to Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel on Wednesday that impeachment trial rules restricting public commentary apply equally to all parties involved in the proceedings.
Escudero delivered the statement as the day's session concluded, following observations by House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro regarding potential violations of the sub judice rule. The legal principle limits public statements about ongoing judicial or legislative proceedings to prevent prejudicing the case.
"The presiding officer conveyed that the sub judice rule applies to the Vice President as it does to all participants in this impeachment trial," according to Wednesday's court records. Escudero requested that Duterte's legal team communicate this requirement to their client to ensure compliance throughout the proceedings.
The impeachment trial against Duterte centers on charges filed by the House of Representatives. The sub judice restriction is designed to maintain the integrity of legislative proceedings by preventing extrajudicial statements that could influence the outcome or prejudice deliberations.
The Vice President's defense team acknowledged the guidance during the session. The trial continues as scheduled with both prosecution and defense adhering to established Senate rules of procedure.