Sara Duterte impeachment trial may stretch into 2027

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 03, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook

MANILA – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could extend into 2027, as the Senate impeachment court weighs a longer hearing schedule to accommodate the evidence still to be presented by both sides.

Impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol said the proceedings may continue until February 2027, depending on the pace of the trial and the amount of evidence and testimony that remain.

The possibility comes as the Senate prepares to focus on deliberations for the 2027 national budget, prompting the impeachment court to consider whole-day hearings in October to speed up the proceedings.

Under the proposed schedule, hearings could run from 10 a.m. into the evening on several days in October, allowing the court to hear more witnesses in a shorter period.

The House prosecution has welcomed the longer sessions, saying it is prepared to present its evidence under the more intensive schedule.

The prosecution is currently presenting evidence on Article I, which involves allegations surrounding PHP612.5 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

With other impeachment articles still awaiting presentation, the trial’s timeline remains uncertain, leaving open the possibility that the Senate may still be hearing the case when 2027 begins.

For now, both sides face a race against the clock as the impeachment court tries to balance the demands of the trial with the Senate’s legislative work.