Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution panel, has formally submitted his verified response to the show-cause order issued by the Senate Impeachment Court regarding alleged sub judice violations in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In his filing dated September 17, Ridon asserted that his public remarks were delivered in good faith while fulfilling his official duties as a prosecutor.
He stated that he had no aim to sway the proceedings or pre-judge the ongoing trial, affirming his full respect for the tribunal’s authority and its guidelines on public commentary.
“We are submitting the matter to the sound discretion of the Senate Impeachment Court and will respectfully await its resolution,” Ridon said.
He further clarified that he “never intended to prejudge the case, influence the senator-judges, substitute public discussion for the evidence and arguments properly presented before the Honorable Court,” or diminish the court’s sole mandate to evaluate the trial’s merits.
Ridon emphasized that all questions concerning evidence admissibility, relevance, and overall case merits rest entirely with the senator-judges.
He reiterated that his past comments were made in “good faith” without any intent to compromise the tribunal’s impartiality.
The impeachment court issued show-cause directives to both Ridon and prosecution spokesperson Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. following concerns over public statements commenting on the pending trial. The House prosecution confirmed that Tolosa has also submitted his reply.
Under trial rules, individuals issued a show-cause order must file a verified written explanation within 24 hours of receipt.
A first offense carries a severe reprimand and stern admonition in open court, while recurring infractions may draw a ₱30,000 fine and restrictions on trial participation.