Politics · Philippines Bureau
Tolosa questions VP Duterte's compliance with Senate impeachment court rules
The prosecution counsel in the Senate impeachment proceedings has challenged Vice President Sara Duterte's adherence to the court's sub judice rule, citing her public statements about senator-judges' alleged bias toward President Marcos.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA, Philippines — Benjamin Tolosa Jr., prosecution counsel in the ongoing Senate impeachment trial, has raised concerns about the selective application of the sub judice rule, pointing to Vice President Sara Duterte's recent public statements as a potential violation.
Tolosa noted that Duterte herself breached the rule restricting public commentary on the case when she claimed that senator-judges were operating under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s control. The remarks were made during an interview with reporters covering the House of Representatives on Friday.
The sub judice rule prohibits participants in legal proceedings from making public statements that could prejudice or influence the court's proceedings. The Senate impeachment court has invoked this rule to regulate statements made by parties involved in the case.
Tolosa's intervention highlights tensions surrounding the enforcement of courtroom restrictions during the high-profile impeachment proceedings. His call for fair and consistent application of the rule underscores broader concerns about maintaining the integrity of the Senate impeachment trial.
The case continues as the Senate impeachment court deliberates on allegations that prompted the House to initiate removal proceedings against the Vice President.