Manila: A viral AI-generated image falsely depicting an impeachment witness with an earpiece has led the Senate impeachment court to implement stricter measures against external coaching and influence during testimony.

According to Philippines News Agency, before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumed on Tuesday, presiding officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero instructed court personnel to confiscate communication-capable devices from witnesses before they testify. Witnesses must also explicitly agree to adhere to the court's regulations.

Escudero emphasized the importance of witnesses testifying solely based on their own knowledge, free from any external coaching or influence. This directive was issued following the online spread of an altered image showing Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, who testified last week, allegedly using an earpiece.

Escudero dismissed these claims, clarifying that Ortonio had a front-fold helix ear piercing, not an earpiece. Ortonio testified as a prosecution witness regarding the OVP's use of confidential funds and was declared a hostile witness.

The court's existing ban includes earpieces, headsets, cellphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and similar devices capable of transmitting or receiving information. Witnesses are prohibited from receiving or attempting to receive any form of communication or prompt from anyone inside or outside the court.

These restrictions will persist during recesses and until the witness is formally discharged by the court. Escudero referenced Section 21 of the Supreme Court's amended Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing, which prohibits gadgets to prevent coaching and disturbances.

These guidelines also classify the coaching of a witness and the presentation of falsified digital images as gross misconduct and direct contempt of court. Escudero instructed the impeachment court clerk to inform witnesses of the rules before testifying, collect prohibited devices, and secure a confirmation that the directive is understood and will be followed.

Violations will be addressed under the impeachment court's disciplinary powers, and the directive is effective immediately, applying to all future witnesses.