Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday called upon the Senate Impeachment Court to advise both the prosecution and defense teams involved in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to avoid publicly discussing the merits of the case. Lacson emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the proceedings and preventing the matter from being tried in the public sphere.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson expressed concerns that a parallel trial is unfolding in public discourse even before the official impeachment trial commences on July 6. He urged the impeachment court to instruct the involved parties to refrain from making public comments on the substance of the case. Lacson, who will serve as one of the senator-judges in the trial, clarified that his concerns are solely focused on comments regarding the merits of the case and do not extend to procedural discussions or issues that could enhance public understanding of the impeachment process.

Senator Lacson reiterated, "Merits of the case lang ang concern ko; nothing to do with the process and other similar points of information that the public may appreciate," emphasizing his focus on the core issues at stake.

The impeachment pre-trial proceedings concluded on Thursday, with the House prosecution panel, the Vice President's defense team, and the Impeachment Clerk of Court marking evidence and identifying witnesses for the upcoming trial. Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. announced that the impeachment trial sessions will be conducted every Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m. leading up to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, after which they will be held from Tuesday to Thursday at 2 p.m.