CHIZ WARNS OF P30,000 FINE FOR SUB JUDICE VIOLATIONS

Senate President and impeachment trial presiding officer Francis Escudero said the sub judice rule will be strictly enforced in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, with a public reprimand for a first offense and a P30,000 fine for a second violation.

Escudero warned the prosecution and defense teams that violations could also lead to contempt proceedings and disciplinary referrals for lawyers to the Supreme Court or Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

He ordered all parties to refrain from publicly discussing the merits of the pending case, posting commentaries on social media, or engaging in “trial by publicity,” saying such actions could undermine the independence and dignity of the impeachment court.

Escudero also reminded senator-judges to keep their questions relevant, fair, and focused on determining the truth while observing parliamentary courtesy and avoiding personal attacks or partisan remarks.

The ruling came after a House private prosecutor defended a social media post concerning trial procedures, while Escudero also noted that Duterte had issued a statement criticizing the impeachment proceedings as a distraction from issues such as flooding and poverty.

Source: PhilNews24 | August 27, 2026