POSTPONING Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial until 2027 could undermine the continuity of the proceedings and make it more difficult for the public to remember the evidence already presented by the House prosecution, raising concerns about fairness and the timely resolution of the remaining unexplained wealth charge.
House private prosecutor and legal spokesperson Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. cautioned against an extended interruption between the prosecution’s completed presentation and the defense’s turn, maintaining that lengthy delays could weaken public understanding of the documentary evidence and testimony presented over several months.
“And it also not be fair, kasi nga pag magkakaroon ng masyadong mahabang lull, bago mag-present ‘yung isang partido, nakalimutan na ng publiko yung unang narinig,” Tolosa explained.
Tolosa responded to suggestions that the Senate could prioritize deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget and return to the impeachment case next year.
“But maybe that’s not procedurally, baka medyo that will be problematic,” Tolosa cautioned.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to resume proceedings on Nov. 9, with the defense expected to begin presenting witnesses and documentary evidence after the House prosecution withdrew three impeachment articles on October 13.
“So mas maganda dire-direcho yung takbo,” Tolosa stressed, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary interruptions once the defense presentation begins.
The Senate is also preparing to deliberate on the proposed 2027 national budget, creating scheduling challenges for senator-judges who must perform both their legislative responsibilities and their duties as members of the impeachment court.
The House prosecution maintains that concentrating on Article II involving alleged unexplained wealth will help shorten the remaining proceedings without depriving Duterte of the opportunity to present her defense.
“No, we’re hoping that we’ll be able to get a decision before the end of the year, no?” Tolosa explained.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian previously acknowledged that the impeachment trial could extend into December, citing the need to accommodate the defense presentation alongside budget deliberations before the end of the year.
“We understand that impeachment is important, pero masyado na siya tumatagal,” Tolosa pointed out.
The prosecution earlier justified its decision to withdraw the confidential funds, bribery and grave threats articles by citing the substantial time already devoted to the proceedings and the public’s growing impatience with the lengthy constitutional process.
“Gusto nga mas matapos na ito sa lalong mabilis na panahon,” Tolosa emphasized, expressing the prosecution’s commitment to securing a timely verdict while respecting the defense’s right to answer the remaining impeachment allegations.
metrosundaily
