MANILA – Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday said lengthy legal discussions that go beyond the evidence and witness testimony are unnecessarily slowing down the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview at the Senate, Tulfo said proceedings could move more efficiently if senator-judges focused their questions on the evidence presented and immediately pointed out errors committed by either the prosecution or the defense.

“Dapat iyong puntuhin na lang iyong tungkol sa ebidensya, tungkol doon sa testimonya (The questions should focus on the evidence and the testimony),” Tulfo said.

He noted that some exchanges during the trial have turned into discussions resembling “Law 101” instead of addressing the issues directly related to the case.

“Hindi relevant doon sa issue. Kaya doon tumatagal (They are not relevant to the issue. That is why the proceedings take longer),” he said.

Despite his remarks, Tulfo said the impeachment court should not rush the proceedings simply to shorten the trial, stressing the need to ensure that all evidence is thoroughly examined and no material issue is overlooked.

He said impeachment cases require striking a balance between expediting the proceedings and conducting a careful review of the allegations, documentary evidence, and witness testimonies.

Tulfo also said mistakes made by either party should be corrected promptly without prolonged legal discussions that consume valuable trial time.

Earlier, the Senate impeachment court revised its hearing schedule by setting trial sessions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.beginning July 29 and adopting a Monday-to-Wednesday hearing schedule starting in August.PNA