MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will continue to be held in the mornings this week, despite proposals from senator-judges to hold the proceedings in the afternoon, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Sunday.
Gatchalian said the impeachment court will finalize the proposed change in schedule this week.
"We need to give the parties ample time to adjust accordingly. We will keep you posted," Gatchalian said.
The court is set to resume its examination of hostile witness Gina Acosta on Monday.
Acosta, a former special disbursing officer for the Office of the Vice President, will continue her testimony under direct examination by the House prosecution panel.
During the 16th day of the trial, Acosta confirmed that Duterte instructed her to transfer the money to her former security officer Raymund Dante Lachica after she withdrew the amount in cash from the Land Bank of the Philippines Shaw Boulevard branch on Dec. 20, 2022.
Next to take the witness stand is Edward Fajarda, a former special disbursing officer of the Department of Education.
A representative of the Philippine Statistics Authority is also expected to testify and provide certification that names appearing on the receipts including Mary Grace Piattos have no records of birth, marriage, or death in the country.
