Senator-Judge Panfilo Lacson has proposed measures to expedite the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing the need to keep witnesses on standby in the Senate to prevent delays. Speaking on July 12, 2026, Lacson noted that last week's hearing ended early because the next witness, NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, was not yet present. He warned that if the trial continues at the pace of one witness per week, it could extend into the Christmas season or beyond.
Witness Readiness and Trial Efficiency
Lacson stressed that having witnesses ready at the Senate would maximize limited hearing time and ensure the Vice President's right to a speedy trial without sacrificing due process. He said Presiding Officer Francis Escudero is open to this suggestion. The senator also recommended that the senator-judges discuss the scope of their questioning during the next caucus to avoid lengthy interpellations that prolong proceedings.
Addressing Conduct and Voting Threshold Issues
Lacson believes that senator-judges should directly address any behavioral issues among colleagues rather than having the impeachment court spokesperson remind the public. He also hopes to resolve the issue of the required number of votes for conviction to prevent the Supreme Court from overturning the impeachment court's decision due to voting threshold concerns. According to Lacson, these steps are crucial for a fair and efficient trial.
