Verdict in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Possible by December 16
The Senate impeachment court may release its verdict in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial by December 16, according to court spokesperson Reginald Tongol. He said the court is confident that the proceedings can finish before the Senate’s holiday recess.
The possible date depends on how quickly the remaining hearings are completed. Tongol said the House prosecution panel could finish presenting its current witnesses and evidence by the following week, provided no additional testimonies are added. Whole-day hearings are also counted as two sessions, helping speed up the schedule.
After the prosecution completes its presentation, it will formally submit its documentary evidence. The defense will then be given time to review the evidence, respond to the prosecution’s claims, and present its own case. According to Tongol, the defense will have 30 days, which is part of the timeline leading to the projected December 16 verdict.
The trial has remained on schedule despite several changes and suspended sessions. The prosecution has also dropped some of its planned witnesses, helping reduce the number of hearing days. Earlier estimates showed that the withdrawal of six witnesses could save as many as 12 trial days.
The current proceedings are focused on allegations involving Duterte’s unexplained wealth. On October 2, the prosecution dropped former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as a witness, while other witnesses testified about properties linked to Duterte’s husband. The presentation of Anti-Money Laundering Council records was moved to October 5 after the defense requested more time to prepare.
For now, December 16 remains the projected date for the possible final verdict. However, the schedule could still change depending on the remaining evidence, witness presentations, and other developments in the impeachment proceedings.
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