Fears over procedural momentum and fading public recall have intensified as the Senate faces a dual workload between legislative budget deliberations and the impending defense phase of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial.
House private prosecutor and legal spokesperson Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. warned against proposals to pause the impeachment court until 2027 to make way for the 2027 national budget, asserting that a long delay risks blurring the public’s grasp of the evidence already on record.
“And it also not be fair, kasi nga pag magkakaroon ng masyadong mahabang lull, bago mag-present ‘yung isang partido, nakalimutan na ng publiko yung unang narinig,” Tolosa explained.
Tolosa addressed suggestions that the Senate might suspend trial proceedings to focus exclusively on passing the proposed 2027 national budget before resuming the case next year.
“But maybe that’s not procedurally, baka medyo that will be problematic,” Tolosa cautioned.
The Senate impeachment court is slated to reconvene on Nov. 9, when the defense is expected to present its witnesses and documentary evidence following the House prosecution’s withdrawal of three articles of impeachment on October 13.
“So mas maganda dire-direcho yung takbo,” Tolosa stressed.
The dual role of senator-judges balancing legislative floor debates on the 2027 national budget against impeachment court sessions has introduced tight scheduling conflicts.
The prosecution argued that narrowing the case down to Article II, which centers on alleged unexplained wealth, was specifically intended to expedite trial proceedings without compromising the defense’s right to present its case.
“No, we’re hoping that we’ll be able to get a decision before the end of the year, no?” Tolosa explained.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian earlier indicated that the impeachment trial could spill into December as the chamber attempts to balance defense hearings alongside annual budget deliberations before the legislative year closes.
Reflecting on the timeline, Tolosa emphasized that public patience with extended proceedings is wearing thin.
“We understand that impeachment is important, pero masyado na siya tumatagal,” Tolosa pointed out.
The prosecution previously noted that its decision to drop charges related to confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats aimed to prevent an overly drawn-out process while addressing public weariness over the constitutional trial.
“Gusto nga mas matapos na ito sa lalong mabilis na panahon,” Tolosa emphasized.