Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday expressed concern over the limited 19-day timeframe proposed by Majority Leader Francis Tolentino for the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Hontiveros noted that even ordinary civil cases are granted 90 days for resolution under the Rules of Court.
“Once we begin discussing the trial calendar as an impeachment court, the majority leader will likely present it to all of us then. But in my opinion, even 19 days might not be enough,” she said.
Hontiveros said a case of this scale should be given sufficient time to ensure a thorough and fair process. She also emphasized the need for a prompt but properly paced trial.
“There is really no express lane in an impeachment. This isn’t online shopping with express delivery. That’s why Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and I have called for the proceedings to begin immediately, forthwith, in fact. But the trial itself should be done properly and given enough time,” she said.
Tolentino on Tuesday officially filed a resolution calling for a 19-day calendar to govern the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte.
Senate Resolution No. 1367 outlines a detailed schedule aimed at ensuring due process and a timely conclusion to the proceedings.
The resolution proposes the constitution of the impeachment court on June 11.
Vice President Duterte would be given 10 days, from June 11 to June 21, to submit her answer to the charges.
House prosecutors would be asked to respond by June 22.
Both sides would submit their trial briefs on the morning of June 23, followed by opening statements in the afternoon.
The prosecution would present its evidence from June 24 to 25.
The defense would begin presenting its evidence from June 25 to 26.
Rebuttal presentations would take place on June 27, with the prosecution in the morning and the defense in the afternoon.
Oral arguments would be held on June 28, with each side receiving one hour to present its case.
Senator-judges would conduct a closed-door meeting on June 29.
The final verdict would be rendered on June 30, the last day of the 19th Congress.
“The adoption of said calendar enables the Senate to resolve the trial within the term of the 19th Congress, thereby avoiding the unresolved and constitutionally precarious implications of allowing such proceedings to extend to the next Congress,” according to Tolentino’s resolution.
