MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could wrap up its presentation of defense witnesses before the end of November, propelled by the swift pace at which testimonies are being delivered, according to impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol.
Under current trial procedures, the defense panel will have ten days to file its formal offer of evidence once witness presentations conclude. Following this, the prosecution will be given an equivalent ten-day window to submit comments or file an opposition, with the court resolving the motions within a maximum of ten days.
”Kung makikita natin sa bilis ng pagpepresenta ng mga witnesses po, ay nakaabot po tayo ng 3-4 witnesses in a day for the presentation for the defense. Ganun din po ‘yung ine-expect natin na time and motion na mangyayari sa mga succeeding hearing days,” Tongol said.
Atty. Paolo Panelo, spokesperson for the Vice President, noted that the camp anticipates a verdict before the Christmas break, shedding light on the rationale behind the perceived timeline.
“Ang sabi niya sa akin noon, ang parang pakay ng mga nagmamadali para habulin itong Christmas break ay para daw kung may conviction at magalit ‘yung mga tao, hindi sila makapag-express masyado ng galit nila dahil Pasko na at kung acquittal naman, eh di makakalimutan na sa susunod na taon, so ‘yun ang impormasyon na natanggap niya,” Panelo explained.
Echoing the feasibility of a pre-holiday conclusion, Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, lead prosecutor for the House prosecution panel, emphasized the prolonged nature of the proceedings.
“We’ve been dwelling on this for three years already, and I think it’s about time we put an end to this by witnessing the verdict as to whether it is conviction or acquittal at least before Christmas,” Luistro stated.
The impeachment trial proceedings are slated to continue on November 19 and 20. Subsequently, the Senate will temporarily pause the trial to prioritize deliberations on the 2027 national budget, with hearings expected to resume on December 1.