Sub judice? Ridon ordered to explain impeachment comments

MANILA, Philippines - House prosecutor Terry Ridon confirmed on Thursday, September 17, that he is one of the two prosecutors ordered by the Senate impeachment court to explain possible violations of its sub judice rule.

Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero announced yesterday that show-cause orders had been issued to certain members of the House prosecution panel. These orders ask them to explain why they must not be penalized for violating Rule 18.

Escudero did not say which prosecutors received the orders.

The sub judice principle bars parties from publicly commenting on a pending case in ways that could influence its outcome.

"We respect the Senate Impeachment Court, we will answer the Show Cause Order, and we will continue doing our work," Ridon (Bicol Saro) said in a statement.

Ridon said he would be submitting his explanation to the court by the end of the day.