Senate impeachment court issues stern warning on Ridon

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The Senate impeachment court issued a stern warning on House prosecutor Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro party-list over his comments on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The court noted that while Rule 18 of the Impeachment rules bans parties from commenting on the merits of the case, Ridon’s comments were made in good faith and ultimately deferred to the senator-judges’ evaluation of the evidence.

“The Court gives due weight to Rep. Ridon's explanation that he acted in good faith and his recognition that the ultimate determination ultimately belongs to the senator-judges. The Court likewise notes Rep. Ridon's assertion that he understands the distinction between reporting what transpired in the proceedings, explaining procedural developments, and commenting on matters that are for the Court's determination,” the Senate court said.

“Accordingly, the Court hereby issues a stern warning to Rep. Terry Ridon to exercise greater restraint in future public statements concerning the merits of the pending impeachment trial,” it added.

The impeachment court also said that while Rule 18 allows parties to inform the public of what occurred in the proceedings, it does not allow evaluation of evidence proves or why it supports a party's position.

“While an impeachment trial involves matters of public concern and the public entitled to be informed of its developments, its nature as both a legal and political proceeding demands greater not lesser restraint from counsel who are bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability,” the court said.

“This [decision] is to ensure that any decision made by senator-judges is based not on statements publicized outside the court but upon evidence and arguments presented and tested within its established parameters,” the court added.

In response, Ridon vowed to comply with the court's ruling and thanked it for being gracious.

"We accept the warning, and we thank the Senate impeachment court for their graciousness," Ridon said.

"We are committed to exercise greater strength on particular details of the Impeachment proceedings moving forward, but we will continue on with our work as lead prosecutor for unexplained wealth," Ridon added. — RSJ, GMA News