Luistro sees Duterte impeachment trial finished by September

MANILA, Philippines – Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said on Monday that she expects Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to conclude by September.

In a media briefing, lead prosecutor Luistro said she expects the trial to last at least three months if it proceeds without delays.

“At minimum, one, two or three months,” she said. “My estimate is that if we start on July 6, we will perhaps end by the end of September 2026.”

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“So if there are no delays and proceedings are continuous, this can be completed in three months,” she added.

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Luistro said the duration of the trial proper will be discussed during the June 18 pre-trial conference, with Duterte’s defense counsel also expected to present their timeline of the proceedings.

READ: Luistro: Over 30 witnesses to be presented in Duterte impeachment trial

“They will also be asked how many trial dates they need to conclude the presentation of their evidence,” she said in Filipino. “The number of trial dates will likewise be determined during the pre‑trial conference.”

Luistro’s remarks come as the 11-member prosecution team prepares to file its pre-trial brief at the Senate on Monday, which would outline the facts of the case, the witnesses it plans to present, supporting evidence, and proposed trial dates.

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READ: Luistro unfazed by who will preside over VP Sara impeachment trial

The filing comes ahead of a pre-trial conference set on Thursday, where the House prosecution team and Duterte’s defense counsel are expected to resolve the following:

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stipulation of facts and simplification of issues;

marking of documentary or real evidence and waiver of objections or admissions on evidence;

number and identification of witnesses;

setting of trial dates;

proposed sequence for the presentation of evidence and possible modification of the order of trial;

such other matters as will promote a fair and expeditious trial of the case.

Duterte, 48, remains a popular political figure with a fiercely loyal support base despite facing accusations of corruption and constitutional violations that have fueled impeachment efforts against her.

She was indicted of those charges contained in the articles of impeachment, which accuse her of the following:

• Culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust through the alleged systematic misuse, misappropriation, and irregular use of confidential funds amounting to P500 million under the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million under the Department of Education

• Culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust for allegedly amassing unexplained wealth manifestly disproportionate to her lawful income and earnings during her incumbency as a public official, and for failing to disclose all assets in her statements of net worth for 2022, 2023, and 2024;

• Bribery, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust for allegedly giving monetary gifts or payments to Department of Education officials to induce violations of and circumvent procurement and related laws;

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• Culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, and betrayal of public trust for allegedly plotting the assassination of the president, the first lady, and the former House speaker should she be killed too, and making grave threats, and actively inciting sedition against the Republic. /mcm