House backs longer impeachment hearings to speed up Sara Duterte trial

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 02, 2026

Photo Courtesy: House of Rep/Facebook

MANILA – House leaders and impeachment prosecutors are backing longer hearing days in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying whole-day sessions could help both sides present their evidence faster.

Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V said the proposed schedule is welcome despite the longer hours, as it could ultimately reduce the number of days needed to complete the trial.

The Senate impeachment court is considering 10 a.m. starts with hearings extending into the evening, allowing as many as two or three witnesses to testify in a single day.

Under the tentative calendar presented by Presiding Officer Francis Escudero, extended hearings will be held on several dates in October before the trial is suspended from October 16 to November 8 to give way to intensive deliberations on the 2027 national budget.

House prosecutor Terry Ridon said the prosecution panel is ready for the more demanding schedule and hopes both the prosecution and defense can finish presenting their evidence within the allotted period.

He said the prosecution could present up to three witnesses in a whole-day session, depending on the length of direct and cross-examinations and questions from senator-judges.

House impeachment adviser Ace Barbers said the trial could move even faster if the defense agrees to stipulate certain facts and pieces of evidence, potentially eliminating the need for lengthy testimony.

One possible case involves former DepEd special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda, whose testimony could potentially be dispensed with through stipulations because of his medical condition.

The prosecution, however, said any agreement must still allow it to establish the charges against Duterte.

The trial is currently focused on Article I, involving the alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

The prosecution has already completed its presentation on Article IV, while the charges involving unexplained wealth and bribery under Articles II and III have yet to be presented.

With the Senate preparing for the 2027 budget season, both sides are now facing a race against time to complete the impeachment proceedings without further delays.