19 Days Enough to Convict or Acquit VP Sara Duterte, Says Tolentino

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the Senate can resolve the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte in just 19 days—either to convict or acquit—if Congress adopts fast-track procedures before its adjournment on June 30.

Speaking over the weekend, Tolentino emphasized that time is of the essence, urging the Senate to begin the trial on June 11 and wrap it up before the end of the 19th Congress.

“Some are asking, ‘Why don’t you begin?’ It can be done. Nothing prevents the 19th Congress from adopting a set of rules for an expedited impeachment trial. We can finish it in just 19 days,” Tolentino said.

19 Days: Enough to Decide?

Legal observers note that a 19-day trial is technically feasible—either for conviction or acquittal—but only under specific conditions. These include adopting streamlined procedures, reducing the number of charges, and ensuring cooperation from both defense and prosecution.

Tolentino himself suggested cutting down the original seven Articles of Impeachment to just two, similar to the approach taken during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012. That case, though, lasted 43 session days.

He added that since VP Duterte’s legal team has long had a copy of the impeachment charges, the Senate can ask them to submit their official response in three to five days, instead of the standard 10-day period.

However, questions remain over whether such a fast-tracked trial would still ensure due process, particularly if it involves witness testimonies, documentary evidence, or objections from other senators.

Despite this, Tolentino maintains that the impeachment proceedings should not carry over into the 20th Congress, asserting that the 1987 Constitution does not authorize an unfinished trial to continue into a new legislative session.

Escudero to Speak on Monday

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero is expected to hold a press conference this Monday to discuss the impeachment case and other pressing Senate matters.

Escudero’s stance may determine whether Tolentino’s proposal gains traction among the Senate majority.

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte—reportedly centered on alleged misuse of confidential funds—has become a politically charged issue, and how the Senate proceeds in the coming days could shape not only Duterte’s political future, but also the institutional integrity of the impeachment process.