Manila: The House prosecution panel may adjust its lineup of spokespersons following the Senate impeachment court's stricter application of Rule 18, which limits public comments on the merits of the ongoing trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, a panel spokesperson, said Thursday that some prosecutors may step down from the panel to focus on serving as spokespersons. "But definitely may possibility po na may mga nakaupong prosecutors ngayon ang maaaring magbitiw ng kanilang posisyon bilang miyembro ng prosecution panel at mag-act na lang as isa sa mga spokespersons (But definitely, there is a possibility that some of the current prosecutors may step down from their positions as members of the prosecution panel and instead serve as spokespersons)," Adiong said.
The statement followed presiding officer Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero's warning that parties to the impeachment trial must comply with Rule 18, which restricts public statements on matters pending before the court. Adiong noted that the number of prosecutors giving media interviews may be reduced, although the panel could also add spokespersons who are not members of the prosecution team. "Mababawasan [ang spokespersons] in a sense po na yung mga nagsasalita na mga prosecutors na nag-iinterview ay mukhang limitado na po ang kanilang sasabihin (The number of spokespersons may be reduced, in the sense that prosecutors who have been giving interviews may now have to limit what they say)," he said.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, another panel spokesperson, expressed respect for the authority of the impeachment court and Escudero's ruling, calling for the uniform application of Rule 18 to all parties. "The same rule should be applied according to its terms to everyone covered by it. Iisa lang ang (There's only one) Rule 18, iisa dapat ang (there must only one) standard," she said.
The issue over Rule 18 arose as the impeachment trial proceeded with the examination of Article I, which involves allegations concerning the misuse and irregular liquidation of confidential funds. The prosecution stated it would continue explaining the public record while complying with the court's directives, emphasizing the importance of helping the public understand the testimony, documents, and issues being presented during the trial.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed full support for the Senate impeachment court's sub judice rule, stressing that it must apply to all parties, including Duterte. In an interview with Senate media on Thursday, Gatchalian said he was conscious of the restrictions under Rule 18, as emphasized by Escudero, and noted that the media likewise observed the limitations in their questions. "In fairness sa inyo, kayo rin very conscious, hindi niyo kami tinatanong sa merits [ng kaso], just on the schedule or administrative matter. So it goes both ways, yung member of the media should also be conscious na hindi puwedeng tanungin yung merits at mga detalye ng kaso (In fairness to you, you are also very conscious, you do not ask us about the merits of the case, just about the schedule or administrative matters. So it goes both ways, the members of the media should also be conscious not to ask about the merits and details of the case)," Gatchalian said.
He emphasized that Duterte should also be mindful of her public statements concerning her impeachment trial.
