Franklin Drilon Urges Senate to Speed Up Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial

Former Senate president Franklin Drilon urged Senate leaders on July 17 to assert greater control over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Speaking at a Rappler+ town hall, Drilon said the proceedings had already produced “impeachment fatigue” among the public.

Drilon criticized lawyers for handling the case like an ordinary judicial proceeding, which he said produced lengthy evidence presentations.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez. Drilon said the parties could have stipulated to the video’s authenticity or the court could have taken judicial notice of it. He called on Senate President Win Gatchalian and presiding officer Chiz Escudero to exercise more authority so the trial remains understandable and engaging for the public.

Drilon noted that the trial serves not only the senator-judges but also the public’s need for information. The trial began on July 6 and convenes Monday through Wednesday starting at 2 p.m. As of July 20 it had run for at least 26.98 hours, with only two witnesses having testified.

The schedule projects 92 days of hearings that could extend into early 2027. Drilon said he expects the Senate to assess the first two weeks and adopt reforms to improve efficiency.