Senator Erwin Tulfo has voiced strong support for the Senate impeachment court’s strict implementation of the sub judice rule in the ongoing trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that prosecutors, defense lawyers, and senator-judges must refrain from making public comments about the merits or potential outcome of the case.
Speaking in a radio interview, Tulfo noted that trial participants often overlook these restrictions when speaking to the press.
“It’s fair because we notice that perhaps some of our colleagues forget when they are interviewed, they forget and make comments,” Tulfo said.
“It’s the same with the prosecution. They speak about what the outcome of the case will be. That shouldn’t be allowed. You’ll say ‘there is no evidence, the evidence is weak.’ That’s forbidden. Or ‘the evidence is strong, they are already guilty.’ It shouldn’t be like that. Even for the prosecution, defense, or senator-judges,” he added.
Tulfo stated that following the warning issued by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the presiding officer of the impeachment court, he expects participants to display greater restraint in their public statements.
“What the presiding officer said last week was clear, that steps will be taken. For senator-judges, it was already stated and we all know what comes next. If my colleagues and I still don’t stop, a complaint will likely be filed with the ethics committee,” he explained.
He pointed out that the expanded boundaries could even cover specific characterizations, such as calling a trial participant “stupid.”
“Words like that are included. But it’s more on the emphasis or outcome of the case. It shouldn’t be discussed. That the defense is weak, the witness… the merits of the case. That’s no longer allowed,” Tulfo continued.
“Regarding terminologies like stupid, we saw reactions from netizens. I think my colleagues will now exercise more caution,” he added.
The debate over conduct reached a head after Senator Raffy Tulfo labeled former Office of the Vice President Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta as “stupid in the name of blind loyalty” during proceedings on August 24 for her handling of confidential fund regulations.
Last week, Escudero declared that the sub judice rule would be strictly enforced during Duterte’s trial, establishing a two-strike policy where a first infraction results in a public reprimand and a second triggers a ₱30,000 fine.
Escudero clarified that this rule applies to all trial participants, including the Vice President herself.
The enforcement push was prompted after private prosecutor Atty. Amando Ligutan was called before the court to address a social media post following an exchange involving defense lawyer Atty. Kristine Ferrer and co-prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan.