Manila: Presiding Officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Wednesday reminded Vice President Sara Duterte to observe restrictions on public comments about her impeachment case after she issued a statement while the court was announcing stricter enforcement of Rule 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte challenged prosecutors to prove the charges through evidence instead of 'insults, speculation, or political theatrics,' and accused them of 'fishing for evidence' to support what she described as a weak case. House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro later raised the statement before the court, but Escudero said Duterte would not be sanctioned for it because it was issued while his ruling was still being delivered.

Escudero noted, 'Given that it was done while the ruling was being issued, prospectivity would still apply,' before asking defense lead counsel Sheila Sison to remind Duterte to comply with Rule 18. He emphasized that future violations could prompt action from the impeachment court and, since Duterte is a lawyer, possible referral under mechanisms governing members of the Bar.

When Luistro sought to read part of Duterte's statement into the record, Escudero stopped her, saying doing so would itself bring comments on the merits into the proceedings. 'No need. Again, I find it unacceptable and it will be commenting on the merits,' he said, adding that the court could take judicial notice of the statement if necessary.

Escudero earlier ordered the strict enforcement of Rule 18, which bars senator-judges, prosecutors, the impeached official, their counsels, and witnesses from publicly commenting on the merits of the pending case.