REPRESENTATIVE Terry Ridon disclosed the revised timeline for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, stating that prosecutors aim to complete the presentation of their evidence by the end of September.
Following this, the defense panel is scheduled to present its case from October through November before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court. The schedule sets a clear roadmap for the proceedings, which have moved at a measured pace amid various logistical challenges.
Ridon noted that the Impeachment Court may consider adjusting the trial calendar to recover lost time, with the primary cause of delays being the relentless heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon. Persistent inclement weather has disrupted travel, hampered attendance, and forced schedule changes, slowing the progress of the hearings. The Senate leadership is now looking at ways to make up for these interruptions so the trial can proceed as close to the original timeline as possible.
The revised schedule underscores the balancing act facing the Senate — advancing the historic impeachment trial while also ensuring the safety and availability of all participants amid severe weather conditions. Any adjustments to the schedule will be announced formally to accommodate both sides fairly. As the prosecution moves toward completing its evidence, the public will continue to monitor the proceedings closely through the transition to the defense presentation in October.
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