Congress to Manage Impeachment Trial and 2027 Budget Deliberations Through Multitasking, Says House Prosecution Spokesperson

The House of Representatives and the broader Congress are prepared to handle the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte alongside deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget by effectively managing time and multitasking, according to House Prosecution Panel spokesperson Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Adiong. Speaking on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, Adiong emphasized that multitasking is a longstanding practice in both chambers of Congress, allowing them to fulfill multiple responsibilities concurrently.

Adiong clarified that the House is not solely focused on the impeachment trial, as lawmakers are assigned to different roles to ensure that other legislative functions continue uninterrupted. He explained that managing schedules and designating which members attend the impeachment proceedings are key to balancing these duties. This approach ensures that legislative work, including budget deliberations, proceeds alongside the trial.

Specifically, Adiong noted that not all members of the House Committee on Appropriations, which is responsible for reviewing the national budget, are part of the prosecution panel or required to participate in the impeachment trial. This division of labor allows the committee to continue its work on the budget while the trial is ongoing.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently announced its intention to submit the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 to Congress before August 14. This submission aligns with the constitutional requirement that the budget be transmitted within 30 days after the opening of the regular legislative session. Adiong acknowledged that some adjustments to the legislative calendar would be necessary, particularly regarding the scheduling and length of agency budget briefings.

He admitted that the number of days allotted for budget discussions might be reduced to accommodate the impeachment trial but stressed that Congress is structurally designed to handle multiple priorities simultaneously. Lawmakers are expected to attend regular committee hearings and other legislative activities in addition to the impeachment and budget deliberations.

When asked if the House prosecution panel would consider streamlining its presentation of evidence or reducing the number of witnesses to fit the legislative schedule, Adiong firmly stated that accountability remains the panel’s top priority. He said the prosecution would not compromise the thoroughness of its case, as the goal is to ensure full accountability in the impeachment process.

Adiong added that if any adjustments are necessary, the prosecution panel would discuss them internally, but the public should expect a comprehensive presentation of evidence. He expressed confidence that Filipinos would understand the need to maintain the integrity of the trial and appreciate the merits of the case against Vice President Duterte.

In summary, the House of Representatives plans to balance its constitutional duties by assigning lawmakers to specific tasks, allowing the impeachment trial and budget deliberations to proceed concurrently. This multitasking approach, combined with careful schedule management, aims to uphold transparency and accountability in both processes while addressing the country’s legislative priorities.