(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA – Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Tuesday that the defense in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial would not be prevented from presenting witnesses simply because their testimonies were repetitive.
Speaking to reporters before the resumption of proceedings, Escudero clarified that the court may restrict evidence only if it is deemed irrelevant to the remaining impeachment charge.
“Not if it’s repetitive. If it is irrelevant,” Escudero said when asked whether the court could limit the number of defense witnesses.
He explained that the same rule was applied during the prosecution’s presentation, when the court excluded evidence unrelated to the impeachment charges.
Escudero also maintained that the Senate impeachment court would not impose a fixed deadline for completing the trial, despite his preference to conclude the proceedings before the Christmas break.
“Walang timeline. We’re not following any timelines,” he said.
According to Escudero, hearing schedules are prepared monthly, with the current calendar covering only November.
He said the court would decide on its December schedule depending on the progress of the defense’s presentation, including the number of witnesses and the time needed to examine their testimonies.
The defense presented its first witness, Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin, on Monday following nearly a month-long recess.
Escudero expressed optimism that the proceedings would move faster as the defense becomes more familiar with the court’s procedures for presenting evidence.
He compared the initial pace of the defense presentation to a diesel engine that requires time to gain momentum.
Meanwhile, Escudero said he hopes the impeachment trial will be resolved before Christmas or New Year, regardless of the outcome.
“Sana matapos ang impeachment, sino man ang matalo o manalo, bago mag-Pasko, bago mag-New Year,” he said.
The presiding officer explained that concluding the trial within the year would allow the Senate to focus on other legislative and national concerns in 2027.
However, he emphasized that the court could not guarantee an early conclusion, as the duration of the proceedings would depend on the defense’s presentation and the examination of its evidence.
The Senate impeachment court continues to hear the remaining charge of alleged unexplained wealth against Duterte.
