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# SARA DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL MAY RUN INTO THE NIGHT—HERE’S WHY SENATORS WANT A NEW SCHEDULE
- URL: https://www.wwconemedia.com/sara-duterte-impeachment-trial-may-run-into-the-night-heres-why-senators-want-a-new-schedule/
- Published: 2026-08-23T00:52:27.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-23T00:52:27.000Z
- Author: WWC NEWSDESK
- Tags: LIFESTYLE, ASIA, POLITICS

**MANILA, Philippines —** The Senate is considering a major change in the schedule of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial as senator-judges seek to prevent lengthy proceedings from being cut short by regular legislative sessions.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said most members of the Senate majority bloc favor moving the impeachment hearings to the afternoon, allowing regular legislative sessions to take place in the morning.

Under the proposal, regular Senate sessions would run from **10 a.m. to 2 p.m.**, followed by the impeachment trial beginning at around **2:30 p.m.** The proceedings could initially run until 7:30 p.m., but senators may continue much later—possibly until 10 or 11 p.m.—if necessary.

The proposed adjustment is aimed at giving the impeachment court more uninterrupted time to hear witnesses and arguments. Lacson said the current arrangement has resulted in proceedings being cut short when the Senate shifts to its regular legislative agenda.

### Schedule change still needs formal approval

Despite the growing support among senators, the proposed afternoon schedule had **not yet been formally adopted** as of August 23.

Lacson said the minority bloc would still be consulted, with a senators’ caucus expected to formalize the proposal. If approved, the new schedule could be announced on **Wednesday, August 26**.

For the immediate week, however, the impeachment trial is expected to remain on its morning schedule. The next hearing is scheduled for **Monday, August 24**, with proceedings set to begin at 10 a.m.

### Weather disruptions add pressure

The proposed schedule change comes after several impeachment hearings were canceled because of heavy rains, flooding, tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, further slowing the proceedings.

The Senate originally set a 92-day trial period, with 62 days allotted for the prosecution and 30 days for the defense. But repeated interruptions have raised concerns about whether the trial can meet its original timeline.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has also backed efforts to maximize the available hearing days, while the defense team said it would comply with whatever schedule the impeachment court ultimately approves.

### Lacson doubts trial will end by December

The bigger question now is whether the impeachment trial can still be completed before the end of 2026.

Lacson expressed doubt, pointing out that the prosecution had yet to finish presenting its case. The trial was still dealing with the **second of four Articles of Impeachment**, after which the defense would have its own opportunity to present evidence and witnesses.

The impeachment case involves allegations concerning **confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and grave threats**. The Senate is acting as an impeachment court, with senators serving as judge-jurors in the proceedings.

Philstar reported that Lacson warned the proceedings could potentially extend into next year because of the number of witnesses and the time needed for both sides to present their cases.

### Defense ready for whatever schedule senators approve

Duterte’s defense team has indicated that it is prepared to follow any schedule ultimately approved by the impeachment court.

Michael Poa, spokesperson and lead counsel for the Vice President’s defense, said the team would comply with the court’s directives and proceed under whatever timetable the senators decide.

The House prosecution panel, meanwhile, has previously supported an afternoon schedule and has floated additional measures—including hearings extending to Fridays—to accelerate the trial.

### What happens next?

The immediate focus will be on the senators’ discussions and whether the majority and minority blocs can reach a formal agreement.

If approved, the shift to afternoon and potentially extended evening hearings could give the impeachment court substantially more uninterrupted time to examine witnesses and evidence.

But the proposed change does **not automatically mean the trial will finish sooner**. With the prosecution still presenting its case and the defense yet to begin, the timetable remains uncertain.

For now, the Senate impeachment court is expected to proceed with its morning schedule next week, while senators weigh whether longer afternoon and evening hearings are the key to getting the delayed proceedings back on track.