The House prosecution panel said it is prepared to present its first witness on the opening day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6, marking the start of what could run for several months of hearings before the Senate impeachment court.
House prosecution legal spokesperson and private prosecutor Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. said the first witness is scheduled to testify on day one of the proceedings.
“The first day of hearing for the presentation of our first witness is scheduled on July 6,” Tolosa said in a Zoom briefing.
He said the initial phase of the trial will run from Monday to Wednesday each week until the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, after which the schedule will shift to Tuesday through Thursday.
The prosecution requested 62 trial days to present its evidence, while the defense asked for 30 days during pre-trial proceedings.
Based on the combined timelines, Tolosa said the hearings could last at least three months, although he noted the estimate remains flexible.
“So kung babasihin natin dito, at least three months ho ’yan, could be more,” he said.
Tolosa added that the duration will depend on how efficiently the presentation of evidence proceeds, including the possibility of presenting more than one witness per day.
The House prosecution panel previously said its 62-day request represents a maximum timeframe due to the volume of documentary evidence, including thousands of records linked to the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Prosecutors also confirmed they intend to present 57 witnesses, all identified during pre-trial to comply with Senate rules on witness disclosure.
The Senate impeachment court concluded pre-trial proceedings on June 25, clearing the way for the formal opening of the trial on July 6, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its case.