THE impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte could conclude its remaining proceedings before the end of November if the defense limits its presentation to 10 full trial days, although additional hearings could push the case into December.
House lead prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas said the prosecution expects a substantially shorter defense presentation following the withdrawal of three impeachment articles, leaving only the unexplained wealth charge for the senator-judges to consider.
“Posible po na matapos ito bago ang katapusan ng Nobyembre,” Luistro disclosed.
Luistro explained that the prosecution is working on the expectation that the defense could significantly reduce the time it originally requested, although the final schedule remains subject to the impeachment court’s approval and the number of witnesses ultimately presented.
“Oo. Ang kanila pong hihingin na trial days ay 10, at ito’y full day lahat,” Luistro explained.
The defense originally sought 30 trial days to present evidence covering the four impeachment articles, but the prosecution subsequently withdrew the charges involving confidential funds, bribery and grave threats, leaving Article II on alleged unexplained wealth.
“Ang klaro po ay 30 trial days ang hiningi ng depensa. Ayon po yan sa ating pre-trial order,” Luistro pointed out.
The Senate impeachment court approved the withdrawal on Oct. 13, narrowing the remaining proceedings to allegations involving Duterte’s financial declarations, the sources of her wealth and her business interests while serving as Vice President.
“Subalit ito pong 30 trial days na ito ay patungkol sa apat na artikulo ng impeachment, na sa pagkakataon pong ito ay maliwanag na isa na lamang ang natitira, sapagkat winidraw na ng prosecution yung tatlo pang articles of impeachment,” Luistro explained.
The impeachment court has announced hearings on November 9 to 13, 19, 20 and 23, with several sessions extending into the evening, although completing a 10-day defense presentation within November would require sufficient additional hearing dates or adjustments to the existing calendar.
“In other words, we have reason to believe na ito pong 30 trial days na ito ay malaki ang mababawas, sana kalahati na lang o sampu na lang,” Luistro maintained.
The prosecution chief acknowledged that the proceedings could still continue into December if the defense requires more time to present its witnesses and documentary evidence, while the senator-judges would also need to consider the completed trial record before reaching a verdict.
“Subalit kung ito po ay lalampas pa sa 10 trial days, maaaring lumiban po ito ng Disyembre,” Luistro explained.
“But at any rate, we are all hoping and praying na sana naman bago mag-Pasko ay tapos na ang impeachment trial na ito para magkaroon tayo ng closure, and we can all move on,” Luistro stressed, expressing hope that the proceedings would finally produce a decision after allegations against Duterte became the subject of congressional investigations beginning in 2024.
metrosundaily
