Palace warns of ‘mind conditioning’ amid 2028 survey results

Diokno: Sub judice rule does not impose gag order on impeachment trial House prosecutor and Akbayan party-list Representative Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno clarified on Thursday that the sub judice rule does not prevent individuals from discussing Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, provided their statements do not aim to influence the trial’s outcome. Diokno emphasized that the rule is designed to maintain judicial integrity, not to silence public discourse. His remarks came as the trial progressed into its 15th day, with ongoing legal battles and public interest surrounding the proceedings. The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which began on July 6, 2026, has drawn widespread attention, particularly due to allegations of misuse of confidential funds and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. On Wednesday, the Senate impeachment court heard testimony from Commission on Audit Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) state auditor Xylene Mae del Campo, who detailed irregularities in the handling of Duterte’s confidential funds. These revelations intensified scrutiny of the vice president’s conduct and fueled speculation about the implications for her political future. Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has sought assurances that the ongoing trial will not interfere with routine government operations. House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong assured that the OVP can engage in respectful dialogue during the 2027 budget deliberations, emphasizing that the impeachment trial does not negate diplomatic protocols. Similarly, Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante stated that the trial is unlikely to disrupt the schedule for approving the 2027 national budget, which is set to begin shortly after the trial concludes. Public interest in the trial has also extended to the 2028 national elections, with recent polls suggesting a close contest between potential presidential candidates. An OCTA Research survey released on August 12 showed that 45% of respondents favored a tandem of Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Senator Raffy Tulfo, while 42% supported a pairing of Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos. Palace press officer Claire Castro cautioned against “mind conditioning” and “politicking” based on early survey results, urging citizens to evaluate all available evidence before forming opinions. She noted that while some survey findings align with reality, others may not accurately represent public sentiment. Legal tensions within the courtroom have also escalated. During the trial, defense counsel Kristine Ferrer and prosecutor Lorna Kapunan engaged in a series of exchanges that led to accusations of disrespect and professionalism violations. Kapunan reportedly remarked that she was “preventing herself from giving her a spanking,” prompting Ferrer to call for the court to address such remarks. Presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero mediated the situation, reminding both sides that they must uphold professional standards and avoid personal attacks. Ferrer later reiterated her request for the court to enforce decorum, while Kapunan acknowledged her previous remarks and pledged to improve her conduct moving forward. Further complications emerged when prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan posted a Facebook message highlighting the prohibition of misleading questions during cross-examinations. Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison criticized the post as inappropriate, arguing that it undermined collegiality among legal professionals. Ligutan defended his actions, asserting that he was merely citing a legal principle from the Rules of Court. The dispute prompted Escudero to indicate that he would issue a ruling on Monday, August 17, addressing the breach of the sub judice rule by one side. Amid these developments, the prosecution has remained steadfast in its objective of securing a conviction. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon affirmed that the prosecution’s primary concern is holding Duterte accountable for her alleged misconduct, including grave threats and financial impropriety. He dismissed the relevance of survey results, stating that the public should determine her political viability independently. Ridon also criticized Duterte for her selective presence at public events, noting that while her absence from the trial is not mandatory, her failure to appear before the court undermines transparency. As the trial enters its second month, the legal battle continues to unfold with heightened stakes for all parties involved. With public scrutiny mounting and political ramifications looming, the outcome of the impeachment proceedings will likely shape not only the trajectory of Duterte’s career but also the broader landscape of Philippine politics in the coming years.