Escudero reminds Duterte to observe restrictions on public comments

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 26, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines

PHILIPPINES – Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero reminded Vice President Sara Duterte to observe restrictions on public comments about her impeachment case after she issued a statement criticizing the prosecution.

Duterte challenged prosecutors to prove the allegations through evidence instead of what she described as “insults, speculation, or political theatrics.” She also accused the prosecution of “fishing for evidence” to support what she called a weak case.

House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro raised Duterte’s statement before the court, but Escudero said the Vice President would not be sanctioned because it was issued while his ruling on the stricter enforcement of Rule 18 was still being delivered.

“Given that it was done while the ruling was being issued, prospectivity would still apply,” Escudero said.

He then asked Duterte’s lead counsel, Sheila Sison, to remind the Vice President to comply with the rule moving forward.

Escudero warned that future violations could prompt action from the impeachment court and possible referral under rules governing members of the legal profession.

When Luistro attempted to read portions of Duterte’s statement into the record, Escudero stopped her, saying this could itself amount to commenting on the merits of the case.

“No need. Again, I find it unacceptable and it will be commenting on the merits,” Escudero said.

The Senate earlier ordered the strict enforcement of Rule 18, which prohibits senator-judges, prosecutors, the impeached official, their counsels, and witnesses from publicly discussing the merits of the pending impeachment case.