MANILA — The Senate Impeachment Court partially lifted the sub judice rule on Tuesday, October 13, concerning three withdrawn impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, while keeping restrictions intact for remaining active allegations and protected evidence.
Presiding Officer and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced during Tuesday’s proceedings that Articles I, III, and IV are no longer pending adjudication following their withdrawal by the House prosecution panel. This decision allows the prosecution, Duterte, their respective counsels, and witnesses to openly address matters related to the dropped charges.
However, public discussions regarding the merits of Article II—which focuses on allegations of unexplained wealth and undeclared assets in Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN)—remain strictly prohibited.
Escudero also stressed that existing safeguards protecting confidential, private, and privileged evidence still apply, and all official records concerning the withdrawn charges must be preserved for transparency.
The ruling sparked debate among lawmakers.
Senator Pia Cayetano questioned the temporary window allowing public discussion before any potential reconsideration of the order.
“I don’t understand why there has to be that gap of time that in the meantime, it’s a free for all. If you want to give them time, then status quo dapat ‘yun. Whether nga two hours pa nga lang, tatlong oras, apat na oras. Otherwise, parang ang labo-labo naman po natin,” Cayetano said.
“Anyway, I said my piece, Mr. Presiding Officer, I normally see the logic in the ruling but sorry to say, I don’t see the logic in that ruling right now,” she added.
Defending the decision, Escudero explained his stance on fairness and freedom of expression for the respondent.
”The last thing I want for anyone to say when they leave this courtroom is, ‘Hindi na nga pinayagan sumagot sa loob ng hukuman, hindi pa pinayagan sumagot sa labas.’ Then I’d rather have the rule allow them to speak rather than not allow them to speak. Let that be the position at rest than the opposite,” he stated.
Later in the session, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed a motion for reconsideration regarding the lifting of the sub judice rule. The motion will be activated once the defense team consults with Vice President Duterte and signals its formal intent to the court.
The House prosecution panel earlier dropped Articles I, III, and IV, with lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro stating they believe sufficient evidence has been presented for Article II to stand independently.