The Senate impeachment court has ruled that the sub judice principle applies equally to all four Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, including the three withdrawn by the House prosecution panel. In an order signed by presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the court reaffirmed its directive barring senator-judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, Duterte, and witnesses from making public statements on the merits of the pending trial.
The ruling followed a defense manifestation filed on November 4, asserting that the sub judice rule must be enforced to protect the integrity of the proceedings and Duterte’s constitutional rights. The court warned that violations would be subject to penalties under its existing guidelines. The prosecution had earlier withdrawn three articles involving confidential funds, bribery, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., leaving Article II on alleged unexplained wealth as the basis of its case.
