The Senate is studying a shorter impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte set to begin on July 6, as groups protest corruption.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the chamber is studying ways to shorten the impeachment trial so it can still address other important measures, including the proposed 2027 national budget. The trial was originally expected to last seven to eight months.
Gatchalian said the parties may reduce the number of witnesses and pieces of evidence, including 10,000 items marked during the pre-trial conference. The pre-trial order is expected to be issued today, with parties given three days to file comments.
Meanwhile, anti-corruption groups marched in Makati and Quezon City yesterday to demand accountability in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal and urge the Senate to proceed with the trial. Around 3,500 people joined the White Ribbon March in Quezon City.