Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could take seven to eight months to complete if proceedings begin in July.
According to Gatchalian, the trial may conclude in February next year based on the pre-trial briefs submitted by the House prosecution panel and the vice president’s defense team, as well as the Senate’s capacity to conduct hearings three days each week.
He said the projected timeline considers the expected pace of the proceedings and the Senate’s available schedule for the impeachment trial.
Gatchalian also said the Senate is studying ways to speed up the impeachment proceedings while ensuring that its other responsibilities are not disrupted.
He explained that aside from hearing the impeachment case, the Senate must continue holding plenary sessions to deliberate and pass other priority measures.
The Senate is expected to balance its role as an impeachment court with its legislative functions during the duration of the proceedings.
The impeachment trial schedule will depend on the Senate’s calendar and the conduct of hearings once the trial formally begins.
No specific changes to the trial schedule or procedures have been announced, but Gatchalian said discussions are ongoing to identify measures that could help expedite the proceedings without affecting the chamber’s regular legislative work.
