Gatchalian: Defense to start presentation on Nov. 9

MANILA, Philippines — With the House prosecution panel expected to wrap up its presentation by Tuesday, Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team is scheduled to begin presenting its case on Nov. 9, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Monday.

“Their schedule is Nov. 9, when we return. There will be an impeachment session in the morning, then we’ll open the session at 3 p.m.,” Gatchalian told reporters.

The prosecution earlier manifested its intention to dispense with presenting evidence for Article III of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of bribing Department of Education officials. The move would shorten its presentation by another eight days.

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This is on top of the 19 days the prosecution has saved by withdrawing several witnesses in connection with previous articles of impeachment.

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READ: Flores confirms prosecution manifested dropping bribery article vs. VP Duterte

Nov. 9 coincides with Congress’ resumption of sessions, when lawmakers aim to pass the General Appropriations Bill for the 2027 national budget.

“Hopefully, the budget will be sponsored by then. That is our goal. After that, deliberations in the plenary will proceed continuously,” Gatchalian said. /das