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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero reminds VP Duterte to observe impeachment court's gag rule

Escudero reminds VP Duterte to observe impeachment court's gag rule

Published Aug 26, 2026 05:07 pm

At A Glance

  • Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero warned Vice President Sara Duterte to comply with Rule 18, which bars covered parties from publicly commenting on the merits of her pending impeachment case.
  • The warning came after Duterte issued a statement while Escudero was delivering the court's ruling on the rule's applicability, although Escudero said the ruling would apply prospectively.
  • Escudero rejected a request to read Duterte's statement into the record, saying it was an unacceptable comment on the merits of the case and that the court could take judicial notice of it.
Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero | Vice President Sara Duterte
Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero | Vice President Sara Duterte
The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday, Aug. 26, reminded Vice President Sara Duterte to comply with its prohibition on public comments about the merits of her impeachment case.
Presiding Officer Francis
Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero (Senate PRIB photo)
This was after she released a statement while presiding officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero was delivering a ruling on the matter.
Escudero said Duterte’s statement fell within the scope of Rule 18 of the impeachment court, which barred the impeached official and other covered parties from publicly discussing the merits of a pending impeachment trial.
The presiding officer noted, however, that the court’s ruling would apply prospectively, meaning sanctions would only cover statements made after the ruling was issued.
“While the presiding officer was delivering its ruling on the applicability, limitation, and who is covered by Rule 18. A statement was issued by the impeached official, the respondent, the Vice President, which clearly is covered by what the ruling earlier given by the presiding officer issued,” Escudero said.
“So given that it is done while the ruling is being issued, prospectivity would still apply,” he added.
Escudero then instructed Duterte’s lead defense counsel, lawyer Sheila Sison, to remind the Vice President to observe the court’s ruling and its rules moving forward.
“However the presiding officer would like to remind through the lead counsel for respondent her client to kindly observe the ruling of the presiding officer as well as the rules of the impeachment court specifically rule 18 on the subject matter in regard to making comments on the merits of the case,” he said.
Escudero said that future violations could result in action from the impeachment court and potentially from legal disciplinary authorities, as he noted Duterte’s status as a lawyer.
“Because henceforth, again given the prospectivity of the ruling the necessary action will be taken against not only by the court but also given that she is a lawyer by what the presiding officer earlier mentioned in relation to CIPRA and in relation to the Office of the Bar Confidant,” he said.
“Kindly inform her, Atty. Shiela,” he added.
Sison responded, “We take note of that, Your Honor.”
Escudero said that the court soon issue guidelines on the penalties.

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Chiz Escudero Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment court
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