Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol clarified that the December 16 verdict is only based on an administrative projection.

“Yan pong December 16 ay ginawa po nating administrative logistical projection,” he said

The statement was made after the appeal of Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo to admonish him over his previous remarks.

Atty. Tongol noted that the schedule was based on the calendar from the pre-trial order and previous statements from Senate Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

He also stated that December 16 has not been set as a deadline but an administrative projection for logistical purposes.

“That date po, hindi naman po natin sinet na deadline ’yon. ‘Yon lamang po ay isang projection po,” he said

In response to Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo's statement, he said he doesn’t intend to preempt the Senator-judges. Atty. Tongol also emphasized that the proceeding’s timetable will be based on the evidence to be presented by the prosecution and defense. He added that the impeachment court is also willing to extend the timeline to hear all necessary evidence in trial.

“Mas kailangan po na marinig natin na mabuti ang ebidensya, willing po ang impeachment court na mag-extend para diyan,” he said

Meanwhile, the spokesperson also expressed acceptance of the comments of Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Monday, October 5, 2026.

“I take the comments of the good Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo and all the other Senator-judges. I take it on the chin,” he said

He also stated that it was a part of the job and he was grateful for their guidance in performing his duty.

“I am very grateful actually for their guidance and for always handholding me in how to perform this job as a spokesperson,” he said

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