House backs longer impeachment hearings to speed up Sara Duterte trial
Philippine House leaders are pushing for extended daily impeachment hearings for Vice President Sara Duterte to expedite the trial process. The proposed schedule aims to complete witness testimonies before the 2027 national budget deliberations begin.
Why it matters
The efficiency of this high-profile impeachment trial is critical for the stability of the Philippine government and the timely passage of the national budget.
Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer September 02, 2026
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.
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