Former Senate president Franklin Drilon has urged the Senate impeachment court to expedite the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing growing public fatigue with the prolonged proceedings.

During a town hall with Rappler+ members on July 17, 2026, Drilon criticized the trial's length, noting that lawyers have treated it like an ordinary court case, leading to excessive evidence presentations.

He highlighted the two-day process of authenticating a video of Duterte's remarks as an example of inefficiency, suggesting that stipulations or judicial notice could have saved time.

Drilon emphasized the need for Senate leadership to ensure the trial remains engaging for the public, as the process is not just for senators but also for informing Filipinos.He called for reforms after the first two weeks of the trial, which has already exceeded 26 hours.The impeachment trial, which began on July 6, is expected to last 92 days, potentially extending into early 2027.

While some procedural adjustments have been made, such as the House prosecution not presenting six witnesses, the Senate faces pressure to balance thoroughness with public engagement.Drilon's comments reflect broader concerns about maintaining transparency and efficiency in high-profile political cases.