Senator Zubiri proposes afternoon schedule to fast-track VP impeachment trial

Senator-judge Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday proposed shifting the impeachment trial to the afternoon, arguing that a schedule change would prevent interruptions from legislative sessions and allow the court to conduct longer, uninterrupted proceedings.

Zubiri, who serves as Senate Majority Leader, suggested convening legislative sessions at 10:00 a.m. and starting the impeachment trial at 3:00 p.m.

“May I make a suggestion that we move our legislative sessions in the morning at 10, and have the impeachment trial at three in the afternoon, so we are not hampered by our legislative calendar when discussions such as these are important,” Zubiri told the impeachment court.

Under the current setup, trial proceedings run from Monday to Wednesday starting at 10:00 a.m., but are cut short at 3:00 p.m. to make way for the Senate’s plenary sessions—a routine reinstituted following the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress on July 27.

Zubiri emphasized that an afternoon schedule would give legal counsel ample time to present evidence and conduct cross-examinations without artificial deadlines.

“When you present evidence, and the cross will be done by the counsels for the respondent, hindi po mapuputol 'yung kanilang discussion,” he said.

He proposed extending the court's trial hours from 3:00 p.m. to as late as 10:00 p.m. to expedite the process, noting that recent legislative sessions have lasted only two to three hours—leaving time on the table that could otherwise be dedicated to the trial.

“Maybe we can hasten the proceedings of the impeachment trial… because justice delayed is justice denied,” Zubiri added.

Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero acknowledged that the court could adjust its schedule as needed, but stressed that any timetable revision must be communicated in advance to both the prosecution and defense panels.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Camille Villar also advised holding a Senate caucus before finalizing any schedule adjustments.

Zubiri expressed hope that senator-judges could reach a decision by Wednesday, allowing a new schedule to take effect the following Monday. Escudero, however, maintained that the court would not rush the decision and will formally take up the matter following caucus discussions.