The Senate impeachment court expects Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense to wrap up its presentation of witnesses next week, but additional proceedings could extend the trial until December or January 2027.
In a press briefing Thursday, court spokesperson lawyer Reginald Tongol said the defense has indicated that it intends to present around eight more witnesses, potentially including forensic analysts whose names were not specified in its pre-trial submissions.
“Isa po yan sa tinitingnan na within the realm of possibility ng impeachment court (That is among the possibilities being considered by the impeachment court),” Tongol said, noting that the defense has been presenting three to four witnesses daily.
He said the court expects a similar pace in the succeeding hearings, which could allow the defense to rest its case before the Senate shifts its attention to the proposed 2027 national budget after Nov. 20.
However, Tongol clarified that the House prosecution panel may still seek permission to present rebuttal witnesses to challenge evidence introduced by the defense.
If allowed, the defense may also present surrebuttal evidence, potentially extending the proceedings before closing arguments.
Tongol said the prosecution has yet to express its intention to present rebuttal witnesses, stressing that any request must identify the specific evidence being challenged and justify the need for additional testimony.
Once the defense rests, it will have 10 calendar days to formally offer its documentary evidence, followed by another 10 days for the prosecution to submit comments or objections.
The impeachment court must then resolve the admissibility of the exhibits before considering possible rebuttal proceedings and scheduling closing arguments.
With these procedures, Tongol acknowledged that a verdict before Christmas remains possible, although the proceedings could extend into January 2027 if additional witnesses are presented.
He said the court has yet to determine whether hearings could proceed alongside bicameral conference committee deliberations on the national budget.
Meanwhile, Tongol disclosed that the impeachment court may issue a subpoena compelling GenCorp Industries Inc. to produce documents supporting the PHP2.14 million received by Duterte between 2022 and 2025.
He said the presiding officer initially ordered the issuance of a subpoena but withdrew the directive before Wednesday’s adjournment to allow GenCorp corporate counsel Suzette Balucanag-Punay to obtain the documents voluntarily from company officials.
“Kung wala pong communication, then the impeachment court would have to issue the subpoena duces tecum (If there is no communication, then the impeachment court would have to issue a subpoena duces tecum),” Tongol said.
The documents are intended to clarify the payments that Punay described as returns of capital from Duterte’s earlier business investment, after four senator-judges questioned the absence of contracts and other verifiable records establishing the original investment amount. (PNA)