Ridon says trial remarks meant to explain, not influence impeach court

MANILA, Philippines — Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said his recent statements on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were intended only to explain the proceedings to the public.

Ridon issued the clarification as he filed his reply to the show-cause order issued against him by the impeachment court over a possible violation of sub judice rule. He filed the response by email on Thursday afternoon, with a copy shared with reporters early Friday.

“Rep. Ridon never intended to prejudge the case, influence the Senator-Judges, substitute public discussion for the evidence and arguments properly presented before the Honorable Court, or diminish the authority of the Honorable Court to determine the merits of the impeachment case,” his answer read.

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“Where Rep. Ridon discussed the presentation of evidence, forthcoming witnesses, matters for further examination, or the prosecution’s intended course of presentation, these statements were intended to explain the progress and process of the prosecution to the public,” it added.

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READ: Sub judice rule: Ridon, Tolosa given show-cause orders by impeach court

Ridon and private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. received the show-cause orders over possible violations of the sub judice rule, which bars the prosecution, defense, witnesses, respondent and senator-judges from publicly commenting on the merits of a pending impeachment case.

Violators face public reprimand with admonition on their first strike, then a P30,000 monetary fine with possible restrictions on speaking, objecting or examining witnesses on the floor on subsequent violations.

“We respect the authority of the Court, take guidance from its Show Cause Order, and remain committed to observing Rule XVIII and the standards laid down by the Court in our future public statements,” Ridon said in a separate statement.

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“We are submitting the matter to the sound discretion of the Senate Impeachment Court and will respectfully await its resolution,” he added.

The impeachment court adopted the sub judice rule last month following defense lead counsel Sheila Sison’s manifestation calling out a social media post by private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan./dp