MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutors are aiming to wrap up Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before the Christmas holidays, though they have cautioned that an extended presentation by the defense could push the final verdict all the way to Valentine’s Day.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, the lead prosecutor of the House panel, noted that the decision to withdraw three out of the four original articles of impeachment should substantially shorten the legal proceedings.
With only Article II, which centers on allegations of unexplained wealth, remaining for adjudication, Luistro stated that the initial 31-day trial estimate for the defense should now serve as a maximum ceiling.
“Now that the three have been withdrawn already, we have reason to anticipate that that 31 days has to be reduced,” Luistro said.
“In fact, during the first few days of the trial, I even said dapat matapos ito bago ang Pasko para pare-parehas tayong ma-liberate dito sa impeachment trial na ito by Christmas,” she added, stressing the prosecution’s push to avoid unnecessary delays since proceedings began on July 6.
Luistro maintained that while an early conclusion is preferred, a firm timeline ultimately depends on the actions of the defense and the Senate impeachment court. If convicted by the senator-judges, Duterte would be unseated as Vice President and permanently barred from holding public office.
Meanwhile, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua raised concerns that the trial could stretch past the New Year break and deep into February 2027 if the defense opts for a prolonged presentation.
“Iyun nga ‘yung mga nakikita namin dito. Dahil aminin natin sa hindi, pag sila nagpresenta, aabutin pa ‘to ng Pasko at New Year, sigurado break na naman. Tapos aabutin na naman tayo ng Valentine’s Day,” Chua warned.
Chua emphasized that the delivery of due process must balance the rights of the defense with the public’s strong interest in a prompt resolution.
“’Yun nga ‘yung ayaw nating mangyari, dahil sa totoo lang, pag sinasabi mong due process, hindi lang naman ang due process sa depensa,” he said.
“Ang due process, it works both ways. Kailangan din, eh, sumisigaw din ang taong bayan ng due process,” Chua added.
The House prosecution panel formally rested its case on Tuesday, October 13, following 39 days of trial.
Duterte’s defense team is scheduled to begin presenting its evidence on November 9, with the remaining duration of the court proceedings heavily dependent on the witnesses and documents her legal counsels bring forward.