The Senate impeachment court has issued show cause orders against members of the House prosecution panel for alleged violations of its *sub judice* rule, underscoring the chamber’s strict enforcement of trial decorum.
House prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon confirmed Thursday that prosecution counsel Atty. Jay Tolosa was among those cited. “Bukod po sa akin, si Atty. Jay Tolosa yung binigyan ng show cause order,” Ridon said, acknowledging that multiple members of the panel were directed to explain.
The confirmation followed the announcement of Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero that the court had issued show cause orders over three breaches of Rule 18 of the Senate Impeachment Rules and the August 26, 2026 ruling. The alleged violations stemmed from public statements made on September 8, 14, and 15.
Under Senate rules, individuals cited for discussing the merits of the case outside court proceedings must submit written explanations within 24 hours. The sub judice principle bars parties from commenting publicly on substantive issues to protect the integrity of the trial. # (ZIA LUNA)
