By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
MANILA, Philippines — Presiding Officer Francis Escudero on Wednesday reminded participants in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to observe the court’s sub judice rule, warning that public comments on the merits of the case could result in sanctions.
Escudero issued the ruling during Day 19 of Duterte’s impeachment trial when the proceeding was dominated by a debate over why recipients of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds used unusual names.
READ: Highlights: Day 18 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 25, 2026
The presiding officer’s ruling effectively placed both the prosecution and defense on notice that public commentary on the pending case will now be subject to stricter enforcement.
