Concerns Raised Over New Impeachment Trial Timeline
A member of the 11-person House prosecution panel expressed serious concerns regarding the new impeachment trial timeline proposed in the Senate. The timeline, covering June 11 to 30, reportedly does not offer sufficient time for the team to thoroughly present evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lawyer and 1-Rider Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez shared his views during an interview with House reporters on Monday, June 9. “Personally, I don’t think it would be possible on our part to just consolidate it with the two articles, the trail of the full articles of impeachment that we have lined up,” Gutierrez explained.
The panel faces the challenge of condensing seven articles of impeachment into just two to fit the Senate’s proposed duration. This compression, Gutierrez warned, could impede their ability to fully argue the case. “I think hindi po siya sapat. If we take a look, kung tama po yung nakikitang timeline, parang dalawang araw lang yung nabibigay for presentation of evidence,” he added. He emphasized that dividing that limited time among seven articles would be clearly inadequate.
House Prosecutors Seek More Time for Trial
When asked about the ideal length for the impeachment trial, the lawmaker said, “We’re not ready yet to say how much time we need, but definitely two days would not be enough.”
The seven articles include serious allegations such as conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos and other officials, malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds, corruption in the Department of Education, unexplained wealth, involvement in extrajudicial killings, destabilization efforts, and overall misconduct as Vice President.
With the 19th Congress set to adjourn sine die on June 11 and the 20th Congress only beginning in July, the prosecution panel insists the case can be carried over to the next Congress. Gutierrez stated, “The presentation still stands by that position that the impeachment can cross over to the 20th Congress as per jurisprudence of the US National Congress.”
Preparation Continues Despite Timeline Issues
The prosecution team continues to prepare for the Senate impeachment trial despite these timing concerns. The House submitted the impeachment complaint and seven articles against the Vice President on February 5.
Gutierrez and the panel remain firm that the current proposed schedule does not allow adequate time to present all evidence properly. They urge for reconsideration to ensure a fair and thorough trial.
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