The Senate is in full preparation for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is expected to begin next week.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the chamber is looking at a timeline of seven to eight months for the trial to run, which means it is expected to conclude in February of next year if proceedings begin in July.

Following a five-day pre-trial conference last week, the pre-trial order is expected to be released today.

Gatchalian acknowledged that the schedule for the trial is tight, but said the Senate will work to complete all preliminary requirements before the July 6 start date. 

He added that the chamber will conduct dry runs to assess the setup needed for the proceedings, including security arrangements, to identify what else needs to be resolved and prepared.

Because the trial is expected to overlap with the Senate's legislative work, including budget season, Gatchalian said they are studying ways to potentially expedite the impeachment proceedings. 

The Senate plans to consult with the House prosecution panel and the defense team on the matter, especially given that around 10,000 pieces of evidence are expected to be presented during the trial.

On the matter of security, heightened security measures that took effect on June 4 remain in force. Gatchalian gave the following assurance:

"Una, patuloy ang ating pakikipagtulungan sa ating security agencies upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating institusyon. Pangalawa, papayagan na ng Senado ang pagpasok ng mga bisita, alinsunod sa Visitor Management System na ipinatutupad ng OSAA."

(First, we will continue to coordinate with our security agencies to keep our institution safe. Second, the Senate will now allow visitors to enter, in accordance with the Visitor Management System being implemented by the OSAA.)

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