By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The presentation of evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could stretch to 92 trial days, based on the projected timelines submitted by both the House prosecution panel and the defense before the Senate impeachment court.
Renato Bantug said on Thursday that the prosecution estimated it would need 62 trial days to complete the presentation of its evidence, while the defense projected 30 trial days for its case.
“What the parties committed on record is that the prosecution will take around 62 trial days and the defense 30 trial days,” Bantug told reporters at the Senate.
He clarified that these are projected periods for the presentation of evidence and do not necessarily represent the total duration of the impeachment proceedings.
The estimates were presented following a series of pretrial conferences that began on June 18 and concluded Thursday after both parties completed the marking of documentary evidence and submitted their stipulations and manifestations.
The formal impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on July 6, when both sides will start presenting witnesses and documentary evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
To ensure an orderly and efficient process, Bantug said the impeachment court will hold trial sessions every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
The lengthy projections reflect the complexity of the impeachment case, with both the prosecution and defense expected to present extensive documentary evidence and witness testimonies during the proceedings.
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