Ridon still among co-lead prosecs in Duterte trial despite show-cause order

MANILA, Philippines — Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon will remain one of the co-lead prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her alleged unexplained wealth.

He gave this statement amid the impeachment court’s issuance to him of a show-cause order over a possible violation of the sub judice rule.

Ridon has confirmed the receipt of the directive, and he expressed his respect to the Senate impeachment court over the matter.

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READ: Ridon is 1 of 2 who got show-cause order from impeach court – prosecs

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“Our role as co-lead of the unexplained wealth case will continue, and we will present the evidence on this matter in the coming weeks,” said Ridon in an interview with reporters.

“Our role and commitment to the public to explain this trial—in a manner that they can best understand—in accordance with the guidelines and rules of the Senate Impeachment Court, will continue,” he added.

Ridon and private prosecutor Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. will file their responses to show-cause orders within the day.

The sub judice rule bars both the prosecution and defense teams, their witnesses, the respondent, and senator-judges from publicly commenting on the merits of the pending case.

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Based on a recent ruling by court Presiding Officer and Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero, sub judice rule violators will face public reprimand with admonition on their first strike.

A monetary fine of P30,000, with the possibility of being restricted from speaking, objecting or examining witnesses on the floor, may be imposed upon them for their subsequent violations.

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Sub judice on VP Sara Duterte

Meanwhile, Ridon said the sub judice rule should also be applied to the recent pronouncements of Duterte where she claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has a “hold” on the Senate.

READ: Sub judice rule should also be applied to Sara Duterte – House prosec

“I think it is very clear that there is a violation of sub judice when the vice president said that the president is in control of the senators, because it is a matter that goes into the integrity of the Senate itself,” Ridon pointed out.

He, however, clarified that it is solely up to the impeachment court on whether it will take action against the vice president.

Asked if he thinks there is a special treatment favoring Duterte, Ridon responded that he believes the court—specifically presiding officer and Senator-judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero—has been “very fair and reasonable” since the beginning of the trial.

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“So, we will give him the discretion if they will enact the same manner of this moto propio (on its own) show-cause order that was granted to the prosecution, and if he will grant a similar standard to other covered persons of the sub judice, including the vice president,” he answered. /apl