By el Amigo
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has been warned to strictly observe the restrictions on public statements concerning her impeachment trial, with the Senate impeachment court cautioning that future violations could lead to sanctions.
Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero issued the reminder Wednesday after Duterte released a statement criticizing the prosecution while the court was in the process of announcing stricter enforcement of Rule 18.
Duterte challenged the House prosecutors to substantiate the allegations against her with evidence rather than what she described as “insults, speculation, or political theatrics.” She also accused the prosecution of “fishing for evidence” to bolster what she called a weak case.
House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro brought Duterte’s statement to the attention of the impeachment court. Escudero, however, said the Vice President would not be sanctioned because her remarks were issued while his ruling was still being delivered.
“Given that it was done while the ruling was being issued, prospectivity would still apply,” Escudero said.
The presiding officer directed Duterte’s lead counsel, Sheila Sison, to remind the Vice President to comply with Rule 18, which prohibits parties in the impeachment proceedings from publicly discussing the merits of the pending case.
Escudero warned that any subsequent violation could prompt action by the impeachment court. He also noted that Duterte, being a lawyer, could potentially face a referral under rules governing members of the Philippine Bar.
Luistro later sought permission to read portions of Duterte’s statement into the official record. Escudero rejected the request, saying that doing so could itself amount to commenting on the merits of the case.
The presiding officer said the court could instead take judicial notice of Duterte’s statement should it become necessary.
Escudero had earlier ordered the strict implementation of Rule 18 covering senator-judges, prosecutors, the impeached official, their lawyers and witnesses while the impeachment case remains pending.
elamigo/xf
