Manila: House leaders and impeachment prosecutors have expressed their support for extending trial days in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, aiming for whole-day sessions to expedite the process before the Senate addresses the 2027 national budget.
According to Philippines News Agency, Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V of La Union emphasized the necessity of addressing the time constraints involved in the proceedings, welcoming the proposal for lengthier trial days despite the increased demands on time and effort. Ortega, who played a role in endorsing one of the complaints leading to Duterte's impeachment, acknowledged that this approach could potentially shorten the overall duration of the trial.
The Senate impeachment court is considering initiating whole-day proceedings at 10 a.m., extending into the evening to accommodate two to three witnesses daily. Presiding Officer Francis Escudero detailed a provisional trial calendar to extend hearing hours in October before pausing for intensive budget work. The proposed schedule includes sessions from 10 a.m. to early evening on specified dates in October, with a hiatus from Oct. 16 to Nov. 8, resuming on a limited basis in November.
House prosecutor and House Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Terry Ridon assured readiness for the intensified schedule, estimating the potential to present up to three witnesses per whole-day session. Ridon emphasized the goal of completing both the prosecution and defense presentations within the proposed timeframe.
Agreements on stipulated facts and evidence between the prosecution and defense, as suggested by House impeachment team adviser Ace Barbers, could further streamline the process by minimizing unnecessary testimony. The prosecution is exploring possible arrangements to dispense with testimonies, such as that of former Department of Education special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda, due to his medical condition.
The prosecution is currently presenting evidence on Article I, which accuses Duterte of the alleged misuse and irregular liquidation of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds. It has completed presentations on Article IV, involving alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., while evidence on unexplained wealth and bribery charges under Articles II and III remains to be presented.
Escudero noted the potential for longer trial days to allow the court to hear multiple witnesses per session, balancing the impeachment proceedings with national budget deliberations. The final trial calendar will be announced after senators agree on accommodating both responsibilities.
Senator JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, cautioned that the crowded calendar risks insufficient time for scrutinizing government agency spending plans, potentially leading to bypassed departments and a reenacted budget. Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri emphasized the need for senators to meet and devise a workable schedule, even considering foregoing their October break to ensure thorough budget deliberations alongside impeachment duties.
The impeachment court plans to pause hearings after Oct. 15 for budget hearings, resuming limited trial dates in November, with the final calendar pending Senate decisions on managing the impeachment case and the 2027 budget.
