The rule against commenting on the merits of the trial is not new. #realtalk lang.

Most senators are aware of this rule. It’s reasonable to assume that every lawyer involved in the impeachment trial is also fully cognizant of this rule. So, why was it blatantly violated many times? Or more precisely, why did the Presiding Officer allow it to be violated many times? Is it our culture of ‘kung makakalusot, lulusot’ rearing its ugly head? A lack of integrity on the part of senators and counsels? Whatever it is, the buck stops at the Presiding Officer.