Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 25, 2026
Escudero said the Senate can still finish the trial before 2027 budget talks intensify, while budget scheduling remains the main constraint.
- On Wednesday, August 26, Senate Impeachment Presiding Officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero ordered strict enforcement of Rule 18, barring public commentary on the merits of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
- Escudero stated the ruling protects the court's dignity and integrity, emphasizing that "trial by publicity" threatens independence and risks substituting media pressure for evidence.
- Violators face a 24-hour show-cause order, with penalties ranging from public reprimands for first offenses to P30,000 fines for subsequent violations; the court granted a clean slate for past conduct.
- To ensure compliance, the presiding officer suggested each party appoint a spokesperson who is not a member of its legal team, as lawyers of record remain bound by the restrictions.
- Senators must balance the impeachment trial with 2027 national budget deliberations, though Escudero expressed optimism the proceedings will conclude before year-end despite potential scheduling adjustments.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Escudero asks senator-judges to be fair, neutral, issues '2-strike rule' on disclosure
MANILA, Philippines — Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero on Wednesday urged fellow senator-judges to "observe impartiality and political neutrality" and refrain from making unparliamentary, offensive, and improper remarks during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.Escudero's ruling on the 19th day of the impeachment trial comes as Vice President Sara Duterte assailed the prosecution for its alleged “insu…
Chiz Escudero eyes Sara Duterte impeachment trial to end by December 2026
Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero expressed optimism Tuesday that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will wrap up by the end of the year.
Escudero optimistic impeachment trial can end before December 2026
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Tuesday, August 25 that he is hopeful the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte will be completed before the end of the year, as the Senate prepares to begin deliberations on the 2027 national budget.Escudero gave the assurance after Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri sought guidance on the timeline of the impeachment trial, noting that the proceedings could overlap with the Sena…
OVP official Ortonio declared hostile witness in Duterte impeachment trial
Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer August 24, 2026 MANILA – Office of the Vice President Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio was declared a hostile witness during […] The post OVP official Ortonio declared hostile witness in Duterte impeachment trial appeared first on Philippine Canadian Inquirer.
Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 25, 2026
This report is part of Inquirer’s special coverage of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings. For real-time updates, follow our live coverage of the impeachment. MANILA, Philippines – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 18th day Tuesday, with Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio set to testify on the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds. Ortonio allegedly …
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