Sara Duterte impeachment verdict could come by December 16

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 02, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines

The Senate Impeachment Court could reach a verdict in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial by December 16, according to court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol.

Tongol said the timeline will depend on how the remaining proceedings unfold, particularly the presentation of evidence by the prosecution and the 30-day period requested by the defense. He confirmed that December 16 could be the date of the verdict if the defense uses the full period allotted to it.

The prosecution is expected to complete its presentation of witnesses and evidence within the next two weeks, provided it does not add more witnesses. Afterward, the House prosecution panel will formally offer its documentary exhibits, allowing the defense to respond.

The defense will then have 30 days to present its response, witnesses and evidence. The timetable could place the conclusion of the trial around December 16, although court officials stressed that the schedule remains subject to changes in the proceedings.

The latest timeline follows adjustments to the trial schedule as the Senate balances the impeachment proceedings with its regular legislative work. The defense also recently asked to defer the presentation of an Anti-Money Laundering Council witness, resulting in another change to the hearing schedule.

The impeachment trial covers allegations including unexplained wealth, alleged inaccuracies in statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, and alleged failure to divest from business interests. Duterte has denied wrongdoing.

The Senate Impeachment Court had earlier revised the voting threshold for conviction, ruling that the two-thirds requirement would be based on senator-judges who are legally and physically able to participate in the proceedings.

For now, the December 16 date remains a projected timeline rather than a fixed verdict date, with the final schedule depending on the pace of the remaining hearings and the defense’s use of its allotted period.