Senate studying ways to speed up Sara trial

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is looking for ways to speed up the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after the Senate court finished questioning only one witness during the first week of hearings.

Gatchalian said the impeachment court originally expected to finish the testimony of its first witness, National Bureau of Investigation agent John Mark Calilung, on Tuesday and begin hearing a second witness the following day. But lengthy debates, objections and questioning stretched the proceedings.

“We are studying ways to shorten the impeachment proceedings. We are also consulting with both the prosecution and the defense on how we can speed up the trial. Our goal is to finish it as quickly as possible while ensuring that the proceedings remain orderly and impartial,” Gatchalian said in an interview yesterday over radio dzMM.

The impeachment court has set 92 trial days to hear the four Articles of Impeachment, including 31 days for the alleged misuse of
confidential funds; 12 days for alleged unexplained wealth and false statements of assets, liabilities and net worth; 11 days for the article involving the alleged assassination plot, grave threats and inciting to sedition; and eight days for alleged bribery and corruption in the Department of Education.

Gatchalian acknowledged that the pace of the proceedings had been slower than expected after the first witness took nearly the entire first week.

“We did not expect that we would not get to the second witness. The debates and the questioning took much longer than anticipated, so we were unable to finish,” he said.

Despite this, Gatchalian described the opening days of the trial as orderly and peaceful, crediting security and traffic management personnel for ensuring the proceedings ran smoothly.

He said the numerous objections raised by both prosecution and defense were typical in the early stages of a high-profile impeachment trial.

“That is part of the strategy. I also watched the impeachment trial of (former) chief justice (Renato) Corona. During the first two or three weeks, there were many objections. But after that, the objections became fewer,” Gatchalian said.

“This is only the first week, so everyone is still adjusting. As the trial progresses, I expect there will be fewer objections and the proceedings will move faster,” he added.

Gatchalian also defended the wide latitude given to senator-judges in questioning the first witness after some exchanges drew objections from both camps.

Referring to questions raised by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, if the statements made by the Vice President should be considered as an impeachable offense, Gatchalian said Hontiveros’ question was valid.

“In the end, that is what we are trying to determine, whether the evidence is connected to an impeachable offense. But there is a process. The evidence must first be presented, the witnesses heard and both sides must be given the opportunity to address the evidence,” he said.

He acknowledged public frustration over the pace of the trial but stressed that due process cannot be sacrificed.

“I understand why many people think the proceedings are taking too long. I have thought the same myself. That process may take time, but it is part of the due process guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.

Asked whether Duterte should eventually testify, Gatchalian said it was too early to discuss the matter.

“It is still too early to discuss that. There is still a lot of evidence to be presented and many witnesses to be heard,” he said.

Gatchalian said next week’s hearings are expected to feature NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, NBI Director Melvin Matibag and Office of the Vice President chief of staff Zuleika Lopez.

“These are important witnesses, and I expect significant details to come out next week,” he said.

Gatchalian said the impeachment trial would continue despite a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the election of Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer.

“The Supreme Court did not issue a status quo ante order or a temporary restraining order. Since it did not stop the proceedings, the impeachment trial will continue,” he said.

On the participation of suspended Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Gatchalian said his suspension from the Senate also bars him from serving as a senator-judge.

“My position is that because he is suspended as a senator, he is also suspended from serving as a senator-judge,” he said.

As for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Gatchalian said the impeachment court has yet to resolve his status.

“Technically, he has not been suspended. We will wait for the court to decide his status,” he said.

Gatchalian said that he expects that “orderly and peaceful” temperament to prevail throughout the entire trial, and commended his fellow senator-judges for approaching the proceedings with discipline and an open mind.

The hearings will resume on July 13 to 15.