The Senate impeachment trial could soon undergo a major scheduling change as a majority of senator-judges reportedly favor holding proceedings in the afternoon to give the chamber more time to tackle the case.
Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson said the prevailing sentiment among senator-judges is to begin the trial at 2:30 p.m. onwards starting September 1.
The proposed adjustment could allow longer hearings and potentially accelerate the proceedings, giving senator-judges more time to hear arguments, examine evidence and address other matters related to the case.
But the afternoon schedule is not yet final.
Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo said members of the Senate majority and minority will meet at the lounge on Monday to determine whether there is enough support to formally make the change.
The meeting is expected to establish the consensus of senator-judges on shifting the impeachment proceedings to the afternoon.
If approved, the September 1 schedule change could significantly alter the pace of the trial, with senators setting aside a larger portion of their working day for the impeachment case.
The move comes as attention increasingly turns to how quickly the Senate impeachment court can proceed with the trial while still providing sufficient time for both sides to present their respective cases.