Gatchalian open to shifting impeachment trial to afternoon session

SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian disclosed on Sunday that he is open to moving the schedule of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to the afternoon, as the Senate prepares to simultaneously begin hearings on the proposed ₱7.2‑trillion 2027 national budget.

Speaking in an interview over Super Radyo dzBB, Gatchalian explained that the adjustment is being considered partly to accommodate the working hours of Senate personnel and to ensure both the budget deliberations and the impeachment proceedings receive adequate attention.

Gatchalian confirmed that an impeachment trial typically requires five to six hours of proceedings each day. “I’m open to holding the impeachment trial in the afternoon,” he stated, adding that leadership is still assessing the best possible arrangement to allocate sufficient time for the case so that it may be concluded promptly. The Senate is keen to avoid unnecessary delays and to move forward with both the legislative budget process and the high‑profile trial without compromising the thoroughness of either.

The proposed schedule shift underscores the logistical challenge facing the Senate as it juggles two major responsibilities: scrutinizing the national budget and fulfilling its constitutional duty as an impeachment court. By potentially holding the trial in the afternoons, the chamber aims to maximize its working hours and ensure that government spending priorities and the impeachment proceedings both move forward efficiently. A final decision on the schedule is expected to be announced once the arrangements are finalized.