The House prosecution team will continue providing factual updates on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to prevent public confusion, while remaining in full compliance with the Senate’s gag order.
Prosecution spokesperson and former Representative Robert Ace Barbers clarified that while they respect the strictly enforced Rule 18 issued by Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, which restricts public comments on merits, witness credibility and disputed facts, it does not prohibit reporting objective court developments.
“Nire-respeto natin at we will abide by the ruling of the presiding officer doon sa pagpapatupad ng istrikto nitong Rule 18,” Barbers said during an online press briefing. “Para makaiwas tayo sa pagkalat ng fake news at hindi magkaroon ng kalituhan… The information sa loob ng korte ay hindi dapat limitado sa loob lamang. Dapat ito’y maikuwento natin sa labas.”
To ensure accurate public information without breaching court directives, the prosecution is considering expanding its communications team by tapping additional spokespersons, such as Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V, Jefferson Khonghun and Janette Garin.
Ortega confirmed that the prosecution is reviewing the boundaries of the sub judice ruling while assuring that the panel will act as a unified body.
“Aaralin ng team kasi lahat naman ng hakbang namin, talagang iisa kami, we move as one,” Ortega said, urging the public to stay engaged by following factual highlights of the proceedings.