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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara impeachment trial: Defense says prompt resolution is in 'everyone's interest'

VP Sara impeachment trial: Defense says prompt resolution is in 'everyone's interest'

Duterte camp says both sides want the proceedings concluded soon, as Congress balances the trial with other duties, including budget deliberations

Published Aug 26, 2026 09:46 am

At A Glance

  • VP Sara Duterte's defense says a prompt resolution of her impeachment trial is in the interest of both parties and the country.
  • Defense spokesperson Michael Poa says ending the proceedings sooner would allow the nation to move forward regardless of the verdict.
  • The call comes as Sen. Migz Zubiri highlights the need to balance impeachment proceedings with Congress' other duties, including budget deliberations.
VP Sara Duterte’s defense says the prompt resolution of her impeachment trial is in “everyone’s interest,” allowing the country to move forward regardless of the eventual verdict. (MB Visual Content Group)
VP Sara Duterte’s defense says the prompt resolution of her impeachment trial is in “everyone’s interest,” allowing the country to move forward regardless of the eventual verdict. (MB Visual Content Group)
For the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte, a prompt resolution of her impeachment trial is in everyone’s interest, stressing that both sides—and the nation as a whole—stand to benefit from the timely conclusion of the proceedings, regardless of the eventual verdict.
Defense spokesperson Michael Poa, speaking at a press briefing on Aug. 25, said both parties would like the impeachment proceedings to be concluded as early as possible, adding that Duterte herself also wants the process to end.
“I think both parties would like to finish this as early as possible,” Poa said.
He stressed that a timely conclusion would allow the country to move forward once the impeachment court reaches its decision.
Poa said Duterte herself also wants the impeachment trial to conclude as soon as possible.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/19/personal-attendance-wont-speed-up-impeachment-process-says-vp-sara
“I think it’s everyone’s interest na matapos ito sa lalong madaling panahon (that this be concluded as soon as possible) so we, as a nation, can move on kung ano man ang magiging hatol dito sa impeachment proceedings na ginaganap (whatever the verdict may be in these ongoing impeachment proceedings),” he said.
Poa’s remarks came as Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri raised concerns about the need to ensure that the impeachment proceedings do not unduly affect Congress’ ability to carry out its other constitutional responsibilities, particularly deliberations on the proposed national budget.
Having previously served in government, Poa said he understood the demanding and tedious nature of budget deliberations, noting that such discussions could require daily sessions.
“As part of the government before, I understand the tedious process of deliberations na isinasagawa sana ngayon (that should ideally be taking place now),” he said.
Still, Poa emphasized that the broader concern is reaching a conclusion in the impeachment proceedings without unnecessary delay.
He said a prompt resolution would serve not only the interests of the prosecution and the defense but also those of the country, allowing the nation to move forward whatever the impeachment court’s verdict may be.

Related Tags

Sara Duterte impeachment trial VP Sara Duterte Sara Duterte defense Michael Poa Philippine impeachment proceedings
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