Former Senate President Franklin Drilon expressed full agreement with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s strict application of the sub judice rule in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing the necessity of preserving the process’s integrity.
During a television appearance, Drilon noted that maintaining public trust in the high-stakes proceedings is essential and should not be undermined by out-of-court declarations.
Escudero, acting as the presiding officer of the impeachment body, invoked Rule 18 of the court’s official procedures. The directive bars senator-judges, legal counsel for both sides, prosecutors, and affiliated attorneys from addressing the merits of the case in public or contributing to a “trial by publicity.”
Asked if Escudero’s broad application of the restriction was justified, Drilon voiced his approval.
“Yes, because and I support the position of the presiding officer. You see, Pinky, the people must remain engaged in this process, and the impeachment process must have integrity,” Drilon said.
“This is not a pure litigation in court, but this is a public trial, an impeachment case,” he added.
Drilon emphasized that given the public nature of impeachment, the trial’s ultimate resolution must be grounded strictly on evidence presented inside the chamber rather than on conflicting narratives broadcast through the press.
By enforcing the sub judice restriction, the impeachment court seeks to focus the trial solely on constitutional principles and official evidence while curbing external statements aimed at shaping public opinion.