PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senate President Win Gatchalian on Sunday, October 4, expressed optimism that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could conclude between mid- to late-November as tribunal schedules full-day sessions to accelerate proceedings.
Gatchalian shared his timeline following earlier projections from impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol, who estimated a wrap-up by December 16.
The Senate chief noted that he favors a quicker resolution, pointing to improved trial pace and witness management.
“Maybe by mid-November, mid-November to end-November. Hopefully. Hopefully…I think. I think…because after this, hopefully this week, to next week, we can finish this Article 2 or unexplained wealth,” Gatchalian stated.
“Then we will tackle the next Article, or the bribery charges. Then after that, it’s the defense’s turn. I think it would be more efficient this time, because all parties are now used to the proceedings,” he added.
According to Gatchalian, the remaining workload could take roughly 30 to 45 days, though he emphasized that his personal estimate remains subject to changes depending on courtroom dynamics.
“So between 30 to 45 days. But I can be wrong, because there could be changes in the middle of the trial. That’s a personal estimate,” he said.
Addressing questions on whether the proceedings could conclude prior to the Christmas holidays, the Senate leader affirmed that such an outcome is ideal.
“That’s what we want to happen.”
Gatchalian noted that spokesperson Tongol’s mid-December estimate accounted for witness presentations, but highlighted that recent decisions by the prosecution panel to drop several individuals from their witness list could significantly shorten the trial duration.
“The spokesperson’s estimate is based on the witnesses to be presented—and those who were dropped—since it really depends on the witnesses involved,” Gatchalian pointed out.
He emphasized that allocating 11 full trial days will dramatically accelerate trial speed.
“But these 11 full days are significant; we can certainly accomplish a lot during that time. We could probably handle two or three witnesses a day, so it makes a big difference,” he explained.
“If possible, we will dedicate full days to the impeachment proceedings; that is what we will discuss moving forward. As we can see, the scheduling is flexible, allowing us to adjust as we go and ensure the impeachment trial is given ample time,” Gatchalian added.
The tribunal had previously projected that trial procedures might stretch into February or March of next year based on initial timeline requests from both prosecution and defense panels.
However, court officials and Senate leaders now remain confident that a verdict will be reached much sooner.