The Senate impeachment court is weighing a proposed schedule change that could extend hearings for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial until 11 p.m. to speed up the proceedings.
Speaking in a radio interview on Saturday, August 29, Senator Erwin Tulfo explained that the proposal aims to give the body more time to present witnesses.
He noted that Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, presiding officer of the tribunal, wants the proceedings wrapped up prior to the Christmas season.
Under the suggested format—initially put forward by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri—plenary legislative work would take place in the morning, shifting the impeachment court proceedings to the afternoon.
Tulfo noted that while the current four-hour slot permits only one witness per session, moving hearings to the afternoon could allow the court to process two witnesses daily.
“Sabi ng presiding officer namin, bago mag-Pasko [matapos na]… Kaya baka paspasan namin,” Tulfo said.
“I don’t know yet yung exact week kailan kami mag-uumpisa ng hapon na. Babaliktarin yung session sa umaga, sa hapon yung hearing para one to sawa,” he added.
“Kasi ngayon, four hours isang testigo. Sa hapon, pwedeng magdalawang testigo kami maski abutin kami ng 11 ng gabi, walang problema.”
Tulfo clarified that members of the impeachment court have yet to formally deliberate on or finalize the schedule shift.
He emphasized that senator-judges must balance trial duties against other critical legislative priorities, particularly upcoming national budget hearings.
“Hindi pa napag-uusapan kasi kailangang timbangin kasi andiyan din ang budget [hearing],” Tulfo explained.
If approved, the adjusted timetable for the impeachment trial could be implemented as early as September.