House Prosecution Panel spokesperson Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Adiong stated on Sunday that Congress can effectively handle both the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and the 2027 budget deliberations through proper time management and multitasking. Speaking in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Adiong emphasized that lawmakers are not focusing exclusively on the impeachment proceedings and will designate specific members to attend the trial while others manage legislative duties.
Managing Schedules and Committee Roles
According to Adiong, the House of Representatives—and even both chambers of Congress, for that matter—have always multitasked. He noted that not all members of the House Committee on Appropriations—the body responsible for handling budget deliberations—belong to the prosecution panel or need to be present at the impeachment trial.
The Department of Budget and Management announced on Friday that it aims to submit a proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 to Congress before August 14. This target falls ahead of the constitutional 30-day deadline following the opening of the regular legislative session.
Adiong acknowledged that adjustments would have to be made, particularly in the scheduling and duration of agency budget briefings. Congress remains structured to address multiple priorities simultaneously, he added, requiring lawmakers to balance regular committee hearings alongside the budget and the trial.
Did You Know? The Department of Budget and Management aims to submit the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 to Congress before August 14, beating the constitutional 30-day deadline that follows the opening of the regular legislative session.
Evidence Presentation and Accountability Priorities
When asked if the House prosecution panel might streamline its evidence or reduce witness counts to ease the legislative workload, Adiong maintained that accountability remains the primary goal. He stated that the prosecution cannot compromise its presentation because the objective is to secure accountability.
Adiong added that the prosecution panel will discuss potential adjustments if they prove necessary. He also expressed confidence that the public will understand the refusal to sacrifice evidence, emphasizing that the panel wants Filipinos to fully grasp the merits of the case against Vice President Duterte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stated that Congress can manage both the impeachment trial and budget deliberations?
House Prosecution Panel spokesperson Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Adiong made the statement during a Sunday interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
When is the Department of Budget and Management aiming to submit the 2027 budget?
The DBM aims to submit the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 to Congress before August 14.
Will the prosecution panel reduce its witness count to accommodate the budget schedule?
Adiong stated that accountability remains their foremost concern and they cannot compromise their presentation of evidence, though the panel will discuss adjustments if they become necessary.
How will congressional leaders ensure that neither the budget nor the impeachment trial is compromised by the overlapping schedules?
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