Politics · Philippines Bureau
VP aide's ear piercing, not earpiece, in viral impeachment trial photos
Senate impeachment court presiding officer clarifies that an Office of the Vice President official testifying in Vice President Sara Duterte's trial was wearing jewelry, not electronic communication device, contrary to circulating manipulated images.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A viral photograph showing what appeared to be an earpiece worn by an Office of the Vice President (OVP) official during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial was actually an ear piercing, Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero clarified on Tuesday.
Lemuel Ortonio, Assistant Chief of Staff of the OVP, was not using any electronic communication device while providing testimony before the Senate impeachment court, Escudero said. The images circulating online had been manipulated to suggest otherwise.
The clarification addresses speculation that arose from photos taken during trial proceedings, which have become a focal point of public scrutiny as the high-profile impeachment case continues. Escudero's statement seeks to dispel claims of improper conduct or coordination during Ortonio's testimony.
The vice president's office has faced intense scrutiny throughout the impeachment proceedings, with various aspects of trial testimony and courtroom conduct subject to public analysis and debate. The clarification represents an effort to separate fact from digital manipulation in an increasingly contentious political moment.