Senator-judges ready for Defense’s turn to present in impeachment trial

MANILA — Senator-judges are ready to hear the presentation of Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team starting Monday, November 9, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

The impeachment trial will resume after a month-long break.

“I’m sure nag-ready na kami,” Hontiveros said on Thursday, November 5.

(I’m sure we have prepared)

Hontiveros said she will give the same attention to whoever the defense will present as witnesses, adding, however that: “Hindi masama kung humarap din si VP.” 

(It would not be bad for the vice president to appear herself.)

She also said senators have not talked about imposing any deadline on the defense to present its case.

The Senate is juggling its responsibilities as an impeachment court and a legislative body, especially since it is also deliberating the proposed 2027 national budget.

Hontiveros trusts they will be able to correct the questionable items in the budget.

“At committed kami makipag-deliberate sa mga counterparts namin sa House doon sa bicam,” she said.

(And we are committed to hold deliberations with our House counterparts at the bicam.)