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Prosecution counsel Terry Ridon makes a manifestation during Day 27 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on September 21, 2026.
Senate Social Media Unit
'The court gives due weight to Representative Ridon's explanation that he acted in good faith and his recognition that the ultimate determination belongs to the senator-judges,' the ruling reads
- The impeachment court warned public prosecutor Terry Ridon for potentially violating the sub judice rule through his media statements.
- Ridon acknowledged the warning and committed to exercising greater restraint in discussing impeachment proceedings in the future.
- The court emphasized the importance of distinguishing between informing the public and making statements that could influence the case's outcome.
MANILA, Philippines – The impeachment court issued a stern warning to public prosecutor Terry Ridon over statements he made in media interviews that have been flagged.
The decision came more than a week after the court formally asked him and private prosecutor Jay Tolosa why they should not be sanctioned for potentially violating the court’s sub judice rule.
“The court gives due weight to Representative Ridon’s explanation that he acted in good faith and his recognition that the ultimate determination belongs to the senator-judges,” the ruling released Monday, September 28, reads.
“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,” it added.
The court said Ridon is “placed on notice,” and added that similar conduct in the future shall be met with a more severe penalty.
“We accept this warning, and we thank the Senate impeachment court for its graciousness,” Ridon said. “We are committed to exercise greater restraint on particular details of the impeachment proceedings moving forward but we will continue with our work.”
Ridon said the “stern warning” is not equivalent to a first offense.
Ridon’s statements that were flagged include a September 14 comment made during a press conference, in which he said: “Hindi nasabotahe si Cabotaje-Tang (Cabotaje-Tang was not sabotaged).” The statement meant to assert that the defense team was unable to damage the testimony offered by former Sandiganbayan presiding officer Amparo Cabotaje-Tang.
Another interview clip with the media made on September 15 showed Ridon saying “Pasok sa banga ang SALN (Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net worth) ng pangalawang pangulo (The Vice President’s SALN is right on target).”
Prosecutor Jay Tolosa has yet to disclose whether the court has ruled on the show-cause order separately issued to him. – Rappler.com
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