The Senate impeachment tribunal modified the schedule for Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial on Tuesday to make room for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) and its associated legislative events.
Presiding officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero disclosed the updated calendar at the close of the trial’s eighth day, noting that the hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, will proceed without changes.
“For next week, there will be no trial on Monday (July 27) given that it’s the State of the Nation of the President,” Escudero said.
Escudero further explained that the court will take a break the following day so minority members can formulate their customary counter-address.
“There will be no trial on Tuesday (July 28) to afford the minority the opportunity to prepare and deliver their kontra-SONA,” the presiding officer added.
The trial is slated to reconvene on July 29, with the full timeline expected to be finalized during Wednesday’s proceedings.
“So our next trial date for your information, which we will clarify on Wednesday, tomorrow, will be on July 29,” he added.
Starting July 29, the impeachment court will adopt new daily hours, allowing senators to manage both the trial and their regular lawmaking duties.
“Now, on July 29, again as agreed in caucus by the senators, the new time of the trial will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” Escudero said.
“And the session of the Senate will be on at 4:00 p.m.,” he added.
Following that transition, the tribunal plans to hold trial sessions three days per week through August.
“Henceforth, after that week, in August, we will be conducting the trial from Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” Escudero said.