Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero reminded Vice President Sara Duterte, through defense counsel, to abide by the sub judice rule that prohibits her and the lawyers in her impeachment trial from commenting on the merits of the case.
This was after Duterte issued a statement criticizing the prosecution while Escudero was laying down his ruling in which he said that the court would strictly implement the sub judice rule.
Escudero said there had been statements in previous weeks that violated this rule, but the court would extend grace to the parties and not impose penalties. But moving forward, the court would make sure the rule is followed and violators could face sanctions.
In her statement, Duterte called out the defense for resorting to “theatrics” and said it should not be fishing for evidence during the trial.
The prosecution brought Duterte’s statement to the attention of the Impeachment Court, and Escudero said the court was aware of it.
He said Duterte’s statement was covered by the sub judice rule, but since it was issued while he was handing down the ruling, prospectivity would still apply.
“However, the presiding officer would like to remind, through the lead counsel for the respondent, her client, to kindly observe the ruling of the presiding officer as well as the rules of the Impeachment Court,” he said.
He also said that henceforth, the necessary action would be taken if she comments on the merits.
Since Duterte is also a lawyer, her actions may also be referred to the Office of the Bar Confidant, he added.