Senator JV Ejercito is urging the Senate to conclude the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as soon as possible, saying an earlier resolution would allow the government to return to its regular work and address other pressing national concerns.
Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the current target is to finish the impeachment proceedings and reach a verdict by December. However, he expressed hope that the trial could be completed earlier.
According to the senator, the impeachment proceedings have affected the Senate’s regular legislative work, particularly the deliberations on the proposed national budget. With the trial currently scheduled from Monday to Wednesday, senators have only Thursday and Friday available for committee hearings, including discussions on the budgets of various government agencies.
Ejercito stressed that the Senate needs sufficient time to perform its other responsibilities, especially amid what he described as a challenging outlook for the country.
“Sana mapabilis na ito para makabalik na tayo sa normal na pamumuhay kasi marami pa tayong kailangang ayusin, maraming problema,” Ejercito said.
He added that the prolonged political proceedings could have broader effects on the country’s overall operations.
“Nakakaapekto rin siyempre yung politika sa atin overall, sa lahat ng takbo natin ng ating bansa,” he said.
When asked whether he hopes the impeachment trial could conclude before December and already have a verdict, Ejercito said he supports completing the process as soon as possible.
“Well, sana yung target, no? Para as soon as possible,” he said.
Ejercito pointed out that, apart from his role as a senator and senator-judge, he also has responsibilities as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, where lawmakers are currently dealing with the government’s budget priorities.
He said the Senate must return its full attention to matters that affect the country’s day-to-day operations and work toward improving the country’s economic outlook.
The impeachment trial against Duterte continues as the Senate impeachment court deliberates on the allegations contained in the Articles of Impeachment. The proceedings have also placed additional demands on the Senate’s calendar, as lawmakers balance the trial with committee hearings and the 2027 national budget process.
