House impeachment spox Tolosa to keep dual roles despite Escudero's advice

House impeachment legal spokesperson and counsel to the panel of prosecutors Benjamin Tolosa, Jr said he will retain both roles for the duration of the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

This after Senator Chiz Escudero, the impeachment court presiding officer, advised the House prosecution panel and the defense panel to appoint an individual who will act solely as their respective spokesperson.

"Well, first of all, we appreciate the reminder of the presiding officer, and he stated that it seems that both spokespersons, myself and Atty. Poa are being careful so far," Tolosa said in a press conference today.

"And to let you know, impeachment court spokesperson Attorney Tongol said that it was not an admonition, it was just a reminder," he added.

Tolosa said he has been careful not to violate the sub judice rule in his statements.

"So we'll make sure that, moving forward, just like what we've been doing from the start, we'll make sure that all of our statements will not violate the subjudice rule. And it will fall under the exemption, which is the doctrine of fair and accurate reporting," he explained.

When asked if he will not give up his appointment as the prosecution panel's legal spokesperson and as a private prosecutor, Tolosa replied, "Well, for now, that decision has not yet been reached." —LDF, GMA News