House prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry talks to reporters, June 25, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — House prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon said Monday that the Senate impeachment court had accepted his response to the show-cause order concerning the sub judice rule and issued him only a stern warning.
“Ang sabi po ng Senate impeachment court ay nag-issue sila ng stern warning sa atin. Tinatanggap po natin ito pong warning na ito at nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanila pong graciousness sa bagay na ito,” Ridon said in a chance interview.
Impeachment court flags 2 prosecution members for 3 violations of subjudice rule
House prosecutor tells impeachment court: Flagged statements ‘made in good faith’
Ridon clarified that the warning did not amount to a first offence, but said he would exercise greater caution when explaining the impeachment proceedings to the public.
“May pag-abiso lang na dapat maging ibayo yung pag-iingat sa pagpapaliwanag sa publiko para hindi po tumama doon sa merito po ng kaso,” he added.
Ridon said they were still waiting for the court’s decision on private prosecutor Atty. Jay Tolosa who also received a show cause order last week.
House prosecutors seek 'equal application' of sub judice rule
WHAT COURT SAID
Ridon, in his verified answer to the show cause orders, explained that the flagged statements were made in good faith, and had no intent of influencing or prejudging Duterte’s impeachment case.
In its order, the court gave due weight to Ridon’s explanation that he acted in good faith, and his recognition that the ultimate determination belonged to senator-judges. But it also cautioned him from making statements on what evidence proves or why it supports a party’s position.
“Rep. Ridon is cautioned to observe the distinction between merely informing the public of what occurred in the Court proceedings and telling the public what the evidence proves or why it supports a party’s position. Rule XVIII permits the former and retrains the latter,” the order signed by Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero stated.
“While an impeachment trial involves matters of public concern and the public is entitled to be informed of its developments, its nature as both a legal and political proceeding demands greater not lesser restraint from counsels, who are bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability. This is to ensure that any decision made by Senator-Judges is based not on statements publicized outside the Court, but upon evidence and arguments presented and tested within its established parameters,” it added.
The Impeachment Court warned Ridon that subsequent similar conduct could be met with a more severe penalty.
“Rep. Ridon is placed on notice that subsequent similar conduct shall be evaluated in light of this stern warning and when warranted, shall be met with a more severe penalty,” the order stated.