Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Could Wrap Up by November
House prosecutors believe the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could finish before December if the defense shortens its presentation schedule.
At a glance
- House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro stated the trial could end by November if the defense uses 10 trial days instead of the originally planned 30.
- The prosecution previously dropped three of the four Articles of Impeachment, leaving only the article concerning asset declarations and unexplained wealth.
- Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison argued that dropping charges does not eliminate the right to present a rebuttal or defend against previous allegations.
The Senate impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte could conclude before the end of November, according to House lead prosecutor and Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro.
The timeline depends on whether the defense can present its evidence within 10 full trial days rather than the 30 days originally requested under the pretrial order.
Impeachment Proceedings
The House prosecution panel dropped three of the four Articles of Impeachment on October 13. Those dropped articles covered allegations of confidential fund misuse, bribery, and grave threats.
With those counts removed, the prosecution is proceeding solely with Article II. This remaining article focuses on allegations that Duterte failed to fully declare her assets, divest from business interests, and explain her wealth.
The proceedings are currently paused to allow Senate committees to deliberate on the proposed 2027 national budget. November 9 marks the planned date for the Senate impeachment court to resume its sessions.
Defense Rights and Potential Delays
Luistro expressed concern that the defense might employ dilatory tactics when the hearings resume, such as filing a demurrer to evidence or attempting to present arguments on the three withdrawn articles.
Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison maintained that the prosecution's decision to drop charges does not prevent the respondent from answering previous accusations.
Sison emphasized that the desire for a swift verdict must not undermine due process or fairness.
Analysis
The debate over the trial schedule highlights the discussion between expediting political accountability and ensuring a thorough defense. While prosecutors argue that streamlining the case saves time and avoids redundancy, defense lawyers insist that curtailing responses to dropped allegations risks compromising fairness.
Senate management of these competing priorities when hearings resume in November will determine whether the proceedings reach a swift conclusion or face prolonged legal wrangling.
What to watch: The Senate impeachment court reconvenes on November 9 to resume proceedings and address the defense schedule.
Reporting from: GMA News. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Sara Duterte
- Gerville Luistro
- Sheila Sison
- Senate
- Philippines
- Politics