THE Senate impeachment court has set November 9 for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense to begin presenting its evidence on Article II, confirming that the prosecution has rested and directing the respondent to provide advance witness notices and estimates of the time needed for her case.
“The prosecution having rested its case, it is now the turn of the respondent to present their evidence in chief,” Presiding Officer Francis Escudero said in his extended ruling.
The defense presentation remains subject to the court’s resolution of the prosecution’s formal offer of documentary and object evidence.
The court has set October 23 as the prosecution’s deadline for that offer, with the defense allowed 10 days from receipt to submit its comments and objections.
Escudero set “26 calendar days from today within which to prepare for her presentation of evidence in chief” for the respondent, with presentation to commence on November 9, 2026.
The ruling preserves her ability to file remedies, motions or manifestations during the recess.
Trial on November 9 will begin at 10 a.m. The Senate will convene as a legislative body that afternoon, with trial resuming after the session. November 10 will be a whole-day hearing from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. November 11 will begin at 10 a.m., subject to a possible afternoon legislative session.
November 12 and 13 will also be whole-day hearings from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. November 19 and 20 will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. November 23 will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 30 is a holiday. December dates will be set as necessary, with the court aiming to announce them in early November.
For witness preparation, Escudero said, “The respondent is reminded of the five-day notice rule,” as he directed compliance with the scheduled trial dates.
The requirement gives the opposing party time to prepare for the presentation of witnesses.
He cited the fact that “the pre-trial order does not contain the list of witnesses the respondent has for Article 2” in explaining why the notice rule is relevant to the resumed proceedings.
Along with its written witness list, the court expects the defense to provide an estimate that will help plan any additional hearings in December.
Escudero said, “The court would also expect the respondent to give an estimate of the number of witnesses it shall have, and the trial dates it shall require in order to present its evidence.”