Could Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial end before Christmas?

National

EIGHT trial days could be all it takes to put Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on track for a conclusion before the Christmas break, based on the defense’s proposed timeline, according to a House prosecution panel adviser.

Robert Ace Barbers said the defense has sought eight trial days to counter allegations of unexplained wealth, although it has requested a total of 30 days to present its evidence. He estimated that the trial could conclude in two weeks if the defense sticks to the shorter timeline.

“Following that (timeline) of only eight trial days, then impeachment trial can possibly be over in two weeks’ time,” Barbers said in a Philstar report.

He cited the Senate impeachment court’s previous schedule of full-day hearings from Monday to Friday before proceedings were suspended for the Halloween recess. He noted that the earlier hearings did not all begin at 10 a.m., suggesting that the court could accommodate the defense’s presentation within a shorter period.

Barbers added that the defense could still use the entire 30 days it had requested to present its evidence, which could extend the proceedings.

Before the recess, the prosecution withdrew three Articles of Impeachment involving grave threats, misuse of confidential funds and bribery, opting to concentrate on the allegations of unexplained wealth.

In approving the withdrawal of the three articles, impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero said the defense would no longer need to present evidence on the dropped charges.

Under the November trial calendar announced by Escudero on Oct. 13, hearings were scheduled for Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Another hearing was set for Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No hearing was scheduled for Nov. 30 due to the Bonifacio Day holiday.(MyTVCebu)