Philippine Senate sets schedule for Duterte impeachment trial and budget hearings

The Philippine Senate has adopted a revised schedule for September and October to balance the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte with deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget.

According to Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, the schedule was finalized during an all-senators caucus. In September, the impeachment trial is set for mornings from Monday through Wednesday, while afternoons will be dedicated to budget hearings and plenary sessions. Thursdays and Fridays are reserved entirely for budget hearings.

The October schedule shifts focus, with the impeachment trial scheduled to take place for full days from October 1 through October 15. Budget hearings will then be held as necessary from October 16 through October 23.

The trial against Vice President Duterte involves allegations regarding the misuse, questionable liquidation, and systematic misappropriation of confidential funds. To manage the workload, Senate President Win Gatchalian noted that the finance committee and its subcommittees have been granted exemptions to conduct hearings simultaneously with plenary sessions.