Atty. Neil Abayon Explains Why Escudero’s Ruling Matters for Sara Duterte’s Case

Atty. Neil Abayon says the public stands to benefit from presiding officer Sen. Chiz Escudero’s stricter enforcement of the Sub Judice Rule in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. Abayon explained that Escudero’s ruling helps protect the dignity and order of the impeachment court by keeping arguments and evidence within the proper proceedings instead of turning the case into a battle of public statements. He said the stricter rules can help ensure that the impeachment trial is decided based on evidence and legal arguments presented before the Senate, rather than through trial by publicity. Escudero’s ruling also sets clear penalties for future violations, including a public reprimand for a first offense and fines of up to ₱30,000 for succeeding violations, along with possible restrictions on participation in the proceedings. For Abayon, enforcing these rules benefits not only the Senate and the parties involved, but the public as well—by helping ensure that a historic impeachment case is conducted with greater dignity, fairness, and order.