Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said Friday, October 2, that the verdict in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte could come by December 16, 2026, if the defense uses the full 30-day period it requested.

During a press conference, Tongol explained that the timeline would depend on whether the respondent’s camp would consume all 30 days allotted to it.

“Ang tinitingnan po namin kung ikokonsume ng lahat po ng mga 30 days na hiningi ng depensa o ng respondent, yung kanyang lahat ng mga araw na yun, aabot po tayo ng mga around December 16, mga ganun po,” Tongol said.

Asked whether this means the verdict could be issued on December 16, Tongol confirmed the possibility.

“Tama po. Okay. Yun po yung parang ika-30 days po nakakailanganin ng ating respondents,” he said.

The development moves the potential conclusion of the impeachment trial beyond the previously discussed November target, depending on how the proceedings and the defense’s allotted period unfold.

The impeachment trial is currently tackling allegations involving unexplained wealth, alleged inaccuracies in Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), and alleged failure to divest from business interests.

The timeline remains subject to change as the Senate Impeachment Court continues to hear evidence and testimony from both the prosecution and defense. Recent proceedings have also involved the presentation and examination of financial and property records.