Sen. Francis Escudero, presiding officer of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, has banned witnesses from using communication devices during their testimony. The directive follows concerns over a viral image allegedly showing witness Lemuel Ortoni using a device, raising questions about the integrity of the proceedings. Escudero emphasized that the court must ensure the trial remains free from external influences.
The defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has separately called on the International Criminal Court to refile charges against him, arguing that prosecutors failed to provide detailed information about the accusations. This request highlights ongoing legal tensions surrounding Duterte’s legacy.
While the impeachment trial focuses on Sara Duterte, the broader legal landscape reflects deep political divisions. The ban on tech devices underscores efforts to maintain transparency, though concerns about fairness and due process persist. The ICC’s response to Duterte’s legal challenge remains pending.
