The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may extend into October or November, depending on the schedule established by the Senate Impeachment Court, Representative Gerville Luistro announced on Friday.
Luistro, who serves as the lead prosecutor for the House prosecution panel, noted that the exact timeline remains flexible.
“Depending pa rin sa discretion ng court because it will be the impeachment court who will decide as to the number of trial dates,” said Luistro.
This updated projection moves the expected conclusion of the trial back by two months, compared to Luistro’s previous estimate of a September finish.
Despite the potential extension, Luistro—who also chairs the House Committee on Justice—confirmed during a television interview that the trial’s formal commencement date has not changed.
“I think we are certain already about July 6 kasi marami nang pronouncements ang ating Senate President about starting on July 6 for the presentation of evidence or trial proper,” she added.
The Batangas 2nd District Representative explained that both legal teams will reconvene at the impeachment court on Monday, June 22, to resume the marking of documentary exhibits. The process requires additional time due to the sheer quantity of evidence involved.
“Hindi tayo natapos sa marking of exhibits … because of the voluminous documents that we have, in support particularly of the article on unexplained wealth and the confidential fund,” Luistro said.
The update follows pre-trial proceedings held on Thursday, where the 11-member House prosecution team, private prosecutors, and Vice President Duterte’s defense counsel appeared before the Senate Impeachment Court.
The session was overseen by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., acting as the clerk of court.