The House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case is confident that the trial in the Senate will conclude before the sine die adjournment of the 19th Congress.

Although Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero already stated a possible trial timeline that extends into the next 20th Congress, House prosecutors maintained that there really is enough time for the current Congress to roll out the hearing.

Among those who subscribed to this notion was House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, who cited that Escudero already designated various Senate offices as support staff to the impeachment court.

“So based on our conservative timeline or estimate, two to three months is enough to finish the trial, if and when the trial will commence by month of March. So, we are confident that before June 30 or before the expiration of the 19th Congress, the Senate can decide on the impeachment case," Bongalon said in a press conference.

"Even before the 19th Congress ends, I guess the remaining months are sufficient to finish the trial," he added.

Bongalon said a trial lasting two to three months should be enough to resolve the impeachment case.

"I mentioned that, considering the adoption of the rules … for the proceedings … so, after the presentation of the witnesses, after the presentation of our documentary evidence, of course we will offer it and then by that time, we will submit it to the Senate for its decision," he said.

"So nabanggit nga natin (we already mentioned) that two to three months I guess kayang tapusin itong (we can finish the) impeachment trial. So, before June 30 of 2025 will expire, I guess trial is already concluded," he added.

Bongalon acknowledged that the composition of the House prosecutors could change if the trial extends into the next Congress, as only sitting members of the House of Representatives can serve as impeachment prosecutors.

While hopeful that current prosecutors will retain their seats in the upcoming midterm elections, Bongalon noted that replacements may be necessary if some members fail to secure reelection.

"Definitely, the panel of prosecutors can be subject to changes,” he said.

“Of course, hindi natin alam (we don't know) for whatever reasons in the middle of the impeachment proceedings. The House of Representatives will definitely nominate and assign some members of the House to be the prosecutors.”

Despite Escudero's pronouncement that all impeachment-related process would begin in June, Bongalon is still hopeful there would be changes "given the provision of the Constitution that the trial shall forthwith proceed".

"So probably there will be a change of heart, change of mind with respect to the decision," he said.