The Senate Impeachment Court has imposed a sub judice ban covering all articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, including those that have been withdrawn or remain pending trial.
The court acted on an appeal filed by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan on Oct. 13, along with a manifestation submitted by Duterte’s legal team on Nov. 4.
In her manifestation, Duterte expressed her position that the sub judice rule should remain in effect for all articles of impeachment filed against her.
The impeachment court decided to enforce the restriction across all articles to prevent any party from discussing in the media matters that have already been dismissed while the court is hearing Article 2.
Under the order, all parties, lawyers and individuals covered by the directive are prohibited from making public statements about the merits of the impeachment proceedings.
The restriction applies regardless of whether an article of impeachment has been withdrawn or remains pending before the court.
The proceedings against Duterte are scheduled to resume Monday.
The court’s directive establishes limits on public discussion of the impeachment case while the Senate continues its proceedings.
