Manila: The House prosecution panel on Wednesday urged the Senate impeachment court not to let the sub judice rule prevent the Filipino people from understanding the impeachment trial, saying they have the right to know what is happening in the proceedings. Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, one of the House prosecutors, emphasized the necessity for public awareness regarding the evidence and developments in the trial, as much of the proceedings involve technical and document-heavy matters that may be difficult for ordinary citizens to understand.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ridon stated at a press briefing, "We do not want a trial that is divorced from the understanding of the public." He highlighted that both parties have a crucial role in explaining to the public the significance of specific pieces of evidence and the events occurring in the courtroom. Ridon underscored the importance of striking a balance on this issue to ensure public comprehension.
Ridon made his remarks following the announcement by impeachment court Presiding Officer Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero that the court would issue a ruling next week regarding potential violations of the sub judice rule by participants in the proceedings. Escudero noted that the court had been monitoring public statements by counsels of both parties and was preparing a ruling on the matter, but concerned parties would have the opportunity to be heard before any decision is made.
Ridon reiterated the significance of public understanding in the impeachment trial, which is laden with evidence and legal issues that may not be readily understood outside the courtroom. He explained that the parties' and their spokespersons' explanations help ordinary Filipinos grasp why certain pieces of evidence are significant and why the accountability issues being examined by the court matter. He warned that restricting such explanations too severely could effectively exclude the public from the impeachment process. Nevertheless, Ridon assured that the prosecution would respect the impeachment court's decisions on permissible statements.
Lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr., counsel for the House prosecutors and spokesperson, clarified that the sub judice rule prohibits parties, counsels, and senators from commenting on or disclosing matters about the merits of the case. However, he noted an exception for fair and accurate reporting, allowing matters discussed during public proceedings to be reported outside the courtroom, provided the reporting accurately reflects what was said during the trial.
Tolosa explained that this exception was why the prosecution sought to anchor their statements to witness testimony and other matters already placed on the record. He also indicated that the prosecution would exercise greater caution in its public statements following the court's forthcoming ruling and acknowledged accountability for any missteps. "We'll be humble enough, in case, even despite our best efforts, to make sure that our statements would fall under the exemption," Tolosa stated, adding a hope for equal liberality in applying the rules to all parties.
The impeachment court is expected to issue its ruling on the sub judice matter when proceedings resume on August 17.
