MANILA, Philippines — Impeachment Court spokesman Reginald Tongol on Tuesday clarified to Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo that Dec. 16 was only a projected date for the ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case and not a deadline set by the court.
Tongol paid a courtesy visit to Tulfo at his Senate office to explain his earlier remarks to the media that the Impeachment Court was expected to issue its ruling on Dec. 16.
Tulfo had questioned the statement during Monday’s proceedings, saying it could be seen as preempting the decision of the senator-judges.
During their meeting, Tongol explained that the Dec. 16 date was based only on a calculation or projection and was not a final date determined by the Impeachment Court.
Tulfo advised Tongol to be more cautious in his statements to the media and to consult with the senator-judges before issuing official statements concerning the proceedings. Tongol agreed to the advice.
The senator thanked Tongol for personally explaining his earlier remarks, while Tongol expressed his appreciation for the senator-judge’s guidance.
He also commended Tongol for his diligence in performing his duties as spokesman of the Impeachment Court.
