Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero delivers his ruling on the enforcement of Rule 18 during the 19th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial at the Senate on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. The court adopted a two-strike system for violations of the rule governing public statements related to the merits of the case.
Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday called the attention of Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team after the Vice President issued a public statement touching on her impeachment case shortly after the Senate Impeachment Court ordered strict enforcement of Rule 18.
Escudero reminded defense lawyers to advise Duterte about the rule, which bars the impeached official, prosecutors, senator-judges, counsels and witnesses from publicly commenting on or disclosing matters involving the merits of a pending impeachment trial.
The reminder came on the same day Escudero announced that the court would “wipe the slate clean” on earlier statements but would strictly enforce Rule 18 moving forward. He said the policy would apply prospectively from August 26.
Under the two-strike system, a first violation may result in a severe reprimand and stern admonition in open court. A second and every succeeding offense may carry a fine of up to P30,000, while lawyers may also face possible referral to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Office of the Bar Confidant or Supreme Court for disciplinary action.
Escudero also clarified that prohibited commentary could include publicly evaluating disputed facts, witness credibility, the sufficiency of evidence or the strength of either side’s case. He stressed that arguments over the impeachment should be fought inside the court rather than through interviews or social media.
While Wednesday’s hearing was underway, Duterte released a statement challenging prosecutors and lawmakers behind the impeachment complaints to prove the allegations through evidence rather than what she characterized as insults, speculation and political theatrics.
The Vice President also argued that prosecutors should not be searching for evidence while the trial was already in progress and criticized remarks made during earlier hearings, including Sen. Raffy Tulfo calling a witness “stupid” and prosecution counsel Mae Divinagracia referring to Duterte as the alleged “mastermind” of confidential fund activities.
The timing placed Duterte’s statement directly against the backdrop of Escudero’s newly announced restrictions on publicity surrounding the case. The court had earlier said that Rule 18 applies not only to lawyers and senator-judges but also to the person being impeached.
Escudero’s ruling followed an earlier dispute over a Facebook post by prosecution counsel Amando Virgil Ligutan about misleading questions during cross-examination. Ligutan defended the post during Wednesday’s proceedings, while Escudero ultimately warned all covered parties against litigating the case in the court of public opinion.