Impeachment trial for Sara Duterte may be moved to afternoon: Lacson
The Senate may move the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to the afternoon in order to avoid cutting proceedings short, according to Sen. Ping Lacson.
In an interview with DWIZ, Lacson said that majority senators have been considering changing the schedule of the trial, which currently runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Monday to Wednesday.
"Sa aming chat group na-discuss 'yan, parang majority sa amin. At least sa majority group, 'yan 'yung parang nagdo-dominate na sentimyento, na opinyon. Na gawin nating umaga 'yung session para sa ganun hindi nakaka-cut short 'yung impeachment trial," he said.
Some senators want to move the impeachment trial to 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. However, Lacson noted that this could extend if senators need more time to finish a particular hearing.
"'Yung 7:30, wala na kaming pressure na tapusin; puwedeng it could extend beyond 7:30, hanggang adjournment. Puwede kaming abutin ng 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock kung kinakailangan," he said.
The regular plenary session will then be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lacson reasoned that this schedule would be more "practical," as senators would no longer have to cut the impeachment proceedings short to make way for their regular session.
The majority bloc will still need to consult with minority senators to formalize the proposed schedule.
"Out of respect sa minority, iko-consult din sila. Pero parang ganun din 'yung gusto nila," Lacson said.
If approved, the new schedule could be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Nevertheless, Lacson explained that the schedule can still change depending if "there are pressing matters on the legislative side."
With regard to when the trial will finish, Lacson said that it will likely spill into the early months of 2027.
"Nasa pangalawang artikulo pa lang tayo, at saka prosecution pa lang 'yan. Kasi kapag natapos 'yung apat na artikulo, saka pa lang magpe-present naman 'yung depensa. So imagine, we will go through again the same ordeal na nangyayari ngayon," he said.
Duterte is facing a total of four impeachment articles alleging the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and procurement irregularities, and grave threats and high crimes.
The Senate impeachment court has approved a 92-day trial as of writing. Sixty-two trial dates have been set for House of Representatives prosecutors and 30 for Duterte's defense team.
If the Senate impeachment court finds her guilty of the charges, Duterte will be removed from her current post and permanently barred from holding public office.
