Cayetano warns impeachment trial should not be rushed amid budget concerns

On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano raised concerns about the pace of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment, reminding colleagues that the Constitution does not set a deadline for such trials. He pointed out that the House prosecution panel had already dropped three of the four articles—covering alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats—leaving only one charge pending. Cayetano warned that rushing the proceedings could undermine due process and suggested the Senate pause to address the 2027 national budget and the ongoing flood-control investigation linked to a super El Niño. He said the trial could be concluded in January or February, but the Senate should choose the timeline that best serves the public interest. The Senate impeachment court accepted the House's motion to withdraw the three articles, and Cayetano stressed that history will judge the Senate on its adherence to fairness and justice.