Escudero reminds Sara Duterte of sub judice rule in impeachment case

Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero on Wednesday asked the defense panel to remind Vice President Sara Duterte about his recent ruling on sub judice which also covers her as well.

Escudero said this after House lead prosecutor and Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro brought to the floor the statement issued by Duterte earlier in the day, condemning the name-calling hurled during her impeachment trial.

The Vice President said the accusations against her should be proven with evidence and not with insults, speculations, or political theatrics.

Escudero said that considering Duterte issued the statement while he was making the ruling, prospectivity would 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, specifically Article or Rule 18 on the subject matter, in regard to making comments on the merits of the case,” he said.

“Because henceforth, again given the prospectivity of the ruling, the necessary actions will be taken against her not only by the court, but also given that she is a lawyer,” he added.

Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison took note of Escudero’s directive.

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Source: GMA News
Date posted: August 26, 2026 3:38pm