Timeline of Relevant Events in the 2026 Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte
Timeline of Relevant Events in the 2026 Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte - **March–May 2026**: House proceedings and transmission of Articles of Impeachment; defense team, led by Atty. Sheila Sison of Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, files answers and challenges procedural irregularities, including prior Supreme Court rulings on earlier impeachment attempts as void *ab initio*. - **June 2026**: Pre-trial conference in the Senate sitting as impeachment court. - **July 6, 2026 (Day 1)**: Trial opens. Lead defense counsel Atty. Sheila Sison delivers opening statement emphasizing constitutional limits on impeachment, due process, the distinction between House initiation and Senate trial, and the risk of abuse through “fishing expeditions.” - **July 21–22, 2026 (Days 8–9)**: NBI Director Melvin Matibag (referred to in some commentary as Gen. Matibag) testifies as a key prosecution witness on the article involving alleged grave threats and betrayal of public trust. Defense couns...
