Politics · Philippines Bureau
Tulfo calls for warning to impeachment court spokesperson over prejudicial statements
Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo has urged the impeachment court to reprimand its spokesperson for repeatedly making comments that could prejudge the case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The call came during the 33rd day of the ongoing impeachment trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday demanded that the impeachment court issue a formal warning to court spokesperson lawyer Reginald Tongol, citing a pattern of problematic statements during the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Tulfo expressed frustration over what he characterized as repeated missteps by Tongol, whose role includes communicating official court positions to the media and public. "He has made many mistakes, failed repeatedly, and continues to do so," Tulfo said during Day 33 of the proceedings.
The senator-judge's complaint centers on concerns that Tongol's public statements have overstepped appropriate bounds and risk prejudging aspects of the case still under judicial consideration. Such commentary from official court representatives could undermine the impartiality expected in high-stakes impeachment proceedings.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the impeachment court as it navigates the high-profile case against the Vice President. The trial has drawn intense scrutiny from the public and media, placing significant pressure on court officials to maintain strict neutrality throughout the process.