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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson urges Impeachment Court to advise prosecution, defense to refrain from commenting on VP Duterte's case

Lacson urges Impeachment Court to advise prosecution, defense to refrain from commenting on VP Duterte's case

Published Jun 26, 2026 02:33 pm

At A Glance

  • Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who will serve as one of the senator-judges in the impeachment trial which will start on July 6, 2026, said it is imperative to protect the integrity of the trial proceedings and prevent the case from being litigated in the court of public opinion.


Now that the pre-trial proceedings have already concluded, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday, June 26 urged the Impeachment Court to consider advising both the prosecution and defense panels to refrain from openly commenting on the merits of the case.

Lacson, who will serve as one of the senator-judges in the impeachment trial which will start on July 6, 2026, said it is imperative to protect the integrity of the trial proceedings and prevent the case from being litigated in the court of public opinion.

“Even before the impeachment trial begins on July 6, a separate trial before the bar of public opinion is already ongoing. The impeachment court should advise both the prosecution and defense panels to refrain from openly commenting on the merits of the case at bar,” Lacson said on X.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2070353965645283463

The senator clarified, however, that his concern is limited to commentary on the merits of the case.

He said both sides can still hold discussions on procedural issues and other matters that may help public understanding of the impeachment process.

“Merits of the case lang ang concern ko (My only concern is the merits of the case); nothing to do with the process and other similar points of information that the public may appreciate,” he said.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2070359863700681102

The impeachment pre-trial proceedings ended on Thursday, during which the House prosecution panel, the Vice President’s defense team and the Impeachment Clerk of Court finished the marking of evidence and identifying witnesses for the trial.

Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. had said that the presentation of evidence in the trial may take 92 trial days, with the prosecution expecting to finish its presentation in 62 trial days, and the defense in 30 trial days.

According to Bantug, the impeachment trial will be held every Mondays to Wednesdays at 2 p.m. before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.  After the SONA, it will be held during Tuesdays to Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Related Tags

Ping Lacson Duterte impeachment case 2026 impeachment court VP Sara Duterte House prosecution panel Duterte defense team
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