Prosecution seeks equal enforcement of sub judice rule in Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 20, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook

PHILIPPINES – The House prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is considering filing a manifestation before the Senate impeachment court seeking the fair and uniform enforcement of the sub judice rule.

The move comes after the impeachment court issued show-cause orders to certain members of the prosecution panel over possible violations of restrictions on public comments about the merits of the ongoing trial.

The prosecution has maintained that it respects the court’s stricter implementation of Rule 18, but said the restrictions should apply equally to all parties covered by the rule, including the defense, the senator-judges, Duterte and their respective lawyers and witnesses.

Under the rule, those covered are prohibited from making public statements that discuss the merits of the pending case, including assessments of disputed facts, witness credibility, the weight of evidence or the legal viability of the impeachment charges.

The impeachment court adopted a two-strike policy for violations. An alleged first offense is subject to a show-cause order, giving the person 24 hours to submit a verified explanation before the court determines whether a sanction is warranted.

The issue gained urgency after the court flagged two prosecution members for three possible violations of the sub judice rule. The prosecution has previously said it would comply with the court’s directives while seeking assurance that the same standards would be applied to the defense and other covered parties.

The possible manifestation is therefore expected to focus on consistent application of Rule 18 as the impeachment trial continues, amid efforts by the court to prevent public commentary from influencing proceedings outside the Senate chamber.