Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero said a viral image appearing to show Office of the Vice President official Lemuel Ortonio wearing an earpiece while testifying was generated using artificial intelligence and did not reflect what was actually on the witness’ ear.
Escudero addressed the circulating image at the opening of the 20th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, Sept. 1, after photos of Ortonio sparked online speculation that he may have been receiving information while on the witness stand.
Escudero said the impeachment court verified the circulating image before addressing it during the proceedings. “We take this opportunity after verification that it was an AI-generated image and simply false,” he said. He clarified that Ortonio was wearing an ear piercing, not a communication device. “What he had was a front fold helix, an ear piercing in the front fold helix of his ear. Not an earpiece,” Escudero added.
Ortonio, an OVP assistant secretary and assistant chief of staff, testified last week as a prosecution witness and was declared hostile by the impeachment court. His testimony covered the OVP’s handling and use of confidential funds under Duterte.
Despite rejecting the viral image as fake, Escudero reinforced restrictions intended to prevent witnesses from receiving outside assistance while giving testimony.
“Every witness must testify nevertheless, solely from his or her own knowledge, free from coaching or influence from counsel or any other person,” Escudero said.
Under the directive, witnesses may not possess or use earpieces, headsets, cellphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, or similar devices capable of transmitting or receiving information while testifying. The restriction also covers attempts to receive messages, signals, answers, suggestions, or prompts from anyone inside or outside the impeachment court.
Escudero ordered the impeachment court clerk to inform witnesses of the rules before they take the stand, secure prohibited devices before they are sworn in, and place on record their confirmation that they understand and will follow the directive. The restrictions remain in effect during recesses until the witness is formally discharged, with violations subject to the court’s disciplinary powers.
