Manila, Sept. 1 -- A viral artificial intelligence or AI-generated image falsely showing an impeachment witness wearing an earpiece has prompted the Senate impeachment court to tighten safeguards against outside coaching and influence during testimony.

Before the resumption of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero ordered court personnel to secure communication-capable devices from witnesses before they take the stand and obtain their express commitment to comply with the court's rules.

"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.

The directive followe...