MANILA—The House prosecution panel is targeting Sept. 9 to complete its presentation of evidence on the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, as the Senate impeachment court considers holding whole-day proceedings to accelerate the trial.

House lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro told the impeachment court that the prosecution expects to wrap up its evidence for the confidential fund charge by next week.

“So just a good news for our senator-judges: we plan to finish the presentation of evidence for confidential fund until September 9, this coming Wednesday,” Luistro said.

The announcement came as Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero presented a tentative schedule that would allow the court to conduct whole-day trial sessions in October.

The proposed arrangement is intended to accommodate more witnesses while the Senate also works on deliberations for the proposed 2027 national budget.

Under the proposal, trial proceedings could start at 10 a.m. and extend into the evening when necessary, allowing the court to hear as many as two or three witnesses in a day.

Luistro, who chairs the House Committee on Justice, said the prosecution was also seeking ways to streamline its presentation.

“On the part of the prosecution, we’re likewise doing our best to be able to expedite the presentation of our evidence,” she said.

“As a matter of fact, that’s the reason behind why we are always exploring the possibility of entering into stipulation,” Luistro added.

Among the possible stipulations is one involving former Department of Education (DepEd) special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda, whom the prosecution has asked the court to subpoena for the upcoming trial dates.

Luistro said the prosecution could seek to dispense with Fajarda’s testimony if the defense agrees to sufficient stipulations, considering his medical condition while ensuring that the prosecution can still present its case.

The prosecution is currently presenting evidence on Article I of the impeachment charges, which concerns the alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds under Duterte.

Of the amount, P500 million was allocated to the Office of the Vice President, while P112.5 million was under DepEd when Duterte was education secretary.

The Sept. 9 target applies only to the confidential fund charge.

The prosecution has yet to present evidence for Article II, which involves alleged unexplained wealth, and Article III, which concerns alleged bribery.

It has already completed its presentation on Article IV, which involves Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Meanwhile, Escudero said the proposed whole-day trial schedule remains tentative and that the Senate impeachment court would announce the final calendar after the senator-judges reach an agreement.