The Duterte impeachment trial could conclude before the end of 2026, Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero said on October 25, though the timing will depend on the defense witnesses and the length of cross-examinations.

Key Takeaways

  • Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense is expected to begin presenting evidence when proceedings resume on November 9.
  • The prosecution withdrew three of four articles, leaving an allegation involving ill-gotten wealth.
  • The defense listed more than 10 prospective witnesses, but the number could change.

Duterte impeachment trial enters defense phase

Escudero said the defense’s pretrial brief listed more than 10 prospective witnesses. The number could rise or fall, he said, and the duration of cross-examinations remains uncertain.

He noted that testimony in earlier hearings had ranged from minutes to several days. Those variations make the trial’s end date difficult to predict.

One article remains

The prosecution withdrew articles concerning alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery at the Department of Education and grave threats. The remaining article involves alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Escudero said the prosecution could not be compelled to pursue articles it had chosen to withdraw. He added that the defense did not object when the impeachment court asked about the withdrawal.

The presiding officer said the Senate would apply the same evidentiary standards to the defense as it did to the prosecution. He said he would wait for the defense to present its case before making a decision.

Next milestone

The next scheduled milestone is the resumption of proceedings on November 9.

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