Sara Duterte impeachment trial could end in November if defense wraps up in 10 days, Luistro says

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 01, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could conclude before the end of November if her defense team completes its presentation of evidence within 10 full trial days, House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said.

The projected timeline comes as the Senate impeachment court prepares to resume proceedings on November 9, when Duterte’s lawyers are expected to begin presenting their evidence and witnesses.

Only one impeachment article remains under consideration after the House prosecution panel withdrew three of the four original charges in October.

The remaining charge concerns allegations of unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

The prosecution has already completed presenting its witnesses, leaving the defense’s presentation, the remaining court procedures and the senator-judges’ deliberations before a verdict can be reached.

Luistro’s estimate depends on how much time the defense needs and how the impeachment court schedules the remaining proceedings. It is not a court-imposed deadline.

Fewer charges could shorten proceedings

The Senate impeachment court accepted the prosecution’s withdrawal of three articles on October 13, narrowing the trial to allegations involving unexplained wealth, asset declarations and business interests.

The withdrawn articles concerned alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats.

House prosecutors have argued that concentrating on the remaining charge could shorten the trial, since the defense would no longer need to answer all four articles before the impeachment court.

The prosecution previously presented financial records and expert testimony alleging discrepancies involving Duterte and Carpio. Duterte has denied wrongdoing, while her defense disputes the allegations.

With the prosecution’s presentation completed, Duterte’s lawyers will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present their own case when hearings resume.

Senate warns trial could extend into December

Despite hopes for a November conclusion, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has cautioned that the proceedings may continue into December.

On October 27, Gatchalian said the defense had yet to present its witnesses and evidence, making it difficult to determine how quickly the trial could finish.

He also emphasized that Duterte’s lawyers should be given sufficient time to present their case.

The Senate must balance the impeachment proceedings with deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget, which lawmakers are seeking to approve before the end of the year.

Under a tentative arrangement, the chamber may devote time to the trial before shifting to budget deliberations and resuming impeachment hearings if necessary.

Defense presentation begins November 9

The impeachment court has scheduled hearings beginning November 9, with additional sessions planned later in the month.

After the defense finishes presenting its witnesses and documentary evidence, the parties must complete the remaining procedural steps before the Senate can deliberate and vote.

A conviction requires the support of at least two-thirds of all senators, as provided under the Philippine Constitution.

The November completion date remains a possibility rather than a confirmed schedule. The pace of the proceedings will depend largely on the defense’s presentation and the impeachment court’s decisions.