Some members of the House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial may resign from their prosecutor positions to serve exclusively as spokespersons, according to Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong.
The potential restructuring comes after Senate impeachment court presiding officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero invoked Rule 18 on Wednesday, August 26, enforcing a stricter implementation of the sub judice rule.
The provision strictly bars parties involved in the case—including prosecutors, defense counsel, and witnesses—from issuing public statements regarding the merits of the ongoing proceedings.
Adiong explained that the communications team is currently evaluating how to adjust its strategy to avoid violating the court’s order while maintaining public updates on the trial, which began on July 6.
“But definitely may possibility po na may mga nakaupong prosecutors ngayon ang maaaring magbitiw ng kanilang position bilang miyembro ng prosecution panel at mag-act na lang as isa sa mga spokespersons,” Adiong stated.
Adiong acknowledged that the enforced restrictions would curtail what prosecutors who routinely address the media can disclose publicly.
“Mababawasan [ang spokespersons] in a sense po na yung mga nagsasalita ng mga prosecutors na nag-iinterview ay mukhang limitado na po ang kanilang sasabihin,” he noted.
However, he clarified that the panel’s overall media presence would not be diminished, as they plan to recruit external individuals to reinforce the communications group.
“Pero definitely yung mga nagsasalita na po for the House prosecution panel hindi po mababawasan,” he said. “Rather may possible na madadagdag.”
Adiong and former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers currently serve as the two “layman spokespersons” for the 26-member House prosecution team, which consists of 11 lawmakers and 15 private prosecutors.