MANILA — Senators are considering extending the daily impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio into the afternoon and evening beginning September as the chamber moves to recover time lost to weather-related disruptions and prevent further delays in the trial.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said most members of the Senate majority favor a proposed schedule that would devote the morning and early afternoon to legislative work before the chamber convenes as an impeachment court at around 2:30 p.m.
Under the proposal, regular Senate sessions would run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while impeachment proceedings could continue well into the evening if necessary.
The arrangement is intended to give senators more time to hear the case without having to abruptly cut impeachment proceedings short because of the chamber’s legislative agenda.
Lacson said the proposal will be formally discussed during the senators’ caucus next week, with members of the minority also expected to be consulted.
If approved, the revised timetable could be announced by the Senate’s presiding officer on Aug. 26, although Lacson said adjustments may still be made whenever urgent legislative matters arise.
Duterte-Carpio’s defense camp said it would abide by whatever schedule the impeachment court adopts.
Michael Poa, the Vice President’s lead spokesperson and defense lawyer, said the defense is prepared to proceed according to the court’s directives.
The House prosecution panel has also backed afternoon hearings. Prosecutors had earlier proposed starting proceedings at 3 p.m. and possibly holding Friday hearings to accelerate the trial.
Despite moves to devote more time to the proceedings, Lacson said he does not expect the impeachment case to be completed by December.
The prosecution has yet to finish presenting its case under the second of four impeachment articles. After the prosecution rests its case, Duterte-Carpio’s defense will still have the opportunity to present its evidence and arguments.
The Senate initially allotted 92 days for the impeachment trial, with 62 days given to the prosecution and 30 days to the defense.
Several hearings, however, have already been disrupted by heavy rains, flooding and the southwest monsoon, forcing adjustments to the original timetable.
The 17th day of the impeachment proceedings is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24./PN
