The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could conclude before November ends if her defense team restricts its presentation to 10 full trial days, according to Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, lead prosecutor of the House panel.
Speaking on Sunday, November 1, Luistro stated that the prosecution anticipates a much shorter defense phase after dropping three impeachment articles, leaving only the charge of unexplained wealth for the senator-judges to evaluate.
“Posible po na matapos ito bago ang katapusan ng Nobyembre,” Luistro said.
While the defense originally requested 30 trial days under the pre-trial order to address all four original charges, Luistro noted that the reduction of the case to a single article makes a shorter timeline feasible.
“Ang klaro po ay 30 trial days ang hiningi ng depensa. Ayon po yan sa ating pre-trial order,” Luistro said.
“Oo. Ang kanila pong hihingin na trial days ay 10, at ito’y full day lahat,” she added.
“In other words, we have reason to believe na ito pong 30 trial days na ito ay malaki ang mababawas, sana kalahati na lang o sampu na lang,” she continued.
The Senate impeachment court previously approved the withdrawal of the articles concerning alleged confidential fund misuse, bribery, and grave threats on October 13, focusing proceedings solely on Article II regarding unexplained wealth.
Current hearings are scheduled for November 9 to 13, 19, 20, and 23. However, Luistro acknowledged that proceedings might spill into December if the defense requires additional time.
“Kung ito po ay lalampas pa sa 10 trial days, maaaring lumiban po ito ng Disyembre,” she said.
“But at any rate, we are all hoping and praying na sana naman bago mag-Pasko ay tapos na ang impeachment trial na ito para magkaroon tayo ng closure, and we can all move on,” Luistro concluded.