Gatchalian upbeat on Sara Duterte impeachment trial verdict by November

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the impeachment court is aiming to reach a verdict on Vice President Sara Duterte’s case by November.

“Maybe mid-November to end-November. Hopefully, hopefully,” he said in an interrview with radio dzBB on Sunday.

Pressed further if he meant that the trial would end and the impeachment court may issue a verdict by that time, Gatchalian answered: “I think so.”

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The Senate leader earlier said that they expect to finish the impeachment proceedings before Christmas. 

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However, according to him, recent changes may allow them to wrap up sooner. 

“After this week, hopefully, this week to next week, the [prosecution’s presentation of evidence for] Article 2 or unexplained wealth, will end. Then we’ll go to Article 4 or bribery. After that it’s the defense’s turn,” he said.

“So, hopefully, during the defense, the trial will run more efficiently because [everyone involved in the trial] already got the hang of it. So between 30 to 45 days,” he said, adding that he based it on his personal estimates.

But Gatchalian said “I can be wrong,” as he noted that adjustments in the schedule of the trial hearings happen as changes occur during the proceedings.

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The Senate has also been trying to balance the impeachment proceedings with its usual legislative duties.

Last week, the defense asked for the deferment of the prosecution’s presentation of the Anti-Money Laundering Council witness to Monday, suspending all proceedings until then.

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“It depends on the witnesses to be presented. Like on the issue of  confidential funds, there were witnesses removed. Same with article on unexplained wealth, the number of witnesses was also reduced. So it depends,” said Gatchalian.

He added he wants the trial to end and verdict to be issued before Christmas. “That’s what we want to happen.”

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol earlier said that the court is expected to reach a verdict on Duterte’s case by December 16.

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Sen. Francis Pangilinan, however, thumbed down Tongol’s remarks, saying that they have had no talks of such a timeline. /gsg