Philippine Senate Flips Schedule to Expedite Sara Duterte Trial

The Philippine Senate has agreed to reverse its daily schedule to accelerate the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. To avoid the proceedings extending into February 2027, the Senate will now hold regular legislative sessions in the morning and conduct open-ended, marathon trial hearings in the afternoon.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed the adjustment, noting that the previous morning schedule provided insufficient time for the six to seven hours typically required for witness examinations. The Senate aims to maintain a pace of one witness per day to reach a verdict by December while simultaneously preparing the 2027 national budget. Gatchalian acknowledged that the grueling pace may cause burnout among senators and staff but emphasized the need to restore normal legislative functions.

While Vice President Duterte has publicly called for the proceedings to be expedited, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro accused the Vice President's camp of using strategic public relations and delaying tactics to sway public opinion. Defense counsel Michael Wesley Poa stated that the defense team will comply with any schedule decided upon by the impeachment court. The trial's ultimate speed depends on whether the defense and the House Prosecution Panel, which has listed 27 witnesses, can streamline evidence and stipulations.