Metro Manila, Philippines – A possible decision on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may be reached in June if the process begins in March, House prosecutor and assistant majority leader Jil Bongalon said on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Bongalon said it is possible for the impeachment trial to end within the 19th Congress, contrary to the position of Senate President Chiz Escudero that litigation could only begin in the 20th Congress after the State of the Nation Address.
“Based on our conservative timeline or estimate, two to three months is enough to finish the trial, if and when the trial will commence by the month of March,” Bongalon said in a virtual press briefing.
“So, we are confident that by June 30, or before the expiration of the 19th Congress, the Senate can decide on the impeachment case,” he added.
The House impeached Duterte on Feb. 5 and submitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate on the same day.
Duterte has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, seeking to block the impending trial.
