Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte Could Conclude in November

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may conclude within November if the defense presents its evidence concerning the last article of impeachment within the slated ten days, according to Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, who is the lead prosecutor in the House.

Luistro indicated that the prosecution expects the defense to request the full ten days to outline its evidence related to allegations of unexplained wealth attributed to Duterte.

This will be the sole remaining article after the prosecution withdrew three additional articles that addressed alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., misuse of confidential funds, and bribery accusations against officials from the Department of Education.

Previously, the defense requested an extended trial duration of thirty days to address all four original articles of impeachment. However, Luistro commented that the trial could extend into December if the defense requires more time and if the senator-judges need additional time to review the case records before making a decision.

Luistro expressed hope that the trial concludes before Christmas to allow all parties involved to achieve closure.

The impeachment court will reconvene this November with a full week schedule, including hearings set for November 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 23, while no session will take place on November 30 due to a holiday.

Reporting by Joey Bengzon for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.