Senate President Win Gatchalian acknowledged the heightened challenges faced by the Senate amid Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial and the looming budget deliberations.

He admitted that the legislative process has become more complex due to the dual pressures of approving the budget on time and managing the impeachment proceedings.

Gatchalian highlighted that the Senate has 50 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) bills to address, along with priority measures submitted by senators, making the workload substantial.To manage these demands, Gatchalian revealed discussions with fellow senators about extending work hours, including working on Fridays and Saturdays.

This adjustment aims to accommodate hearings and technical working groups, as the impeachment trial has consumed significant time, averaging four to six hours daily.

Initially projected to last six to seven months, the trial is now expected to extend to 14-16 months due to witness testimonies requiring multiple days.

The Senate is also considering revising the impeachment trial schedule to allow the defense to present their case immediately after each article, reducing redundant witnesses.With 92 trial days allocated and only 10 completed, the impeachment process will overlap with budget deliberations, which typically begin in August.

The Senate faces additional challenges with three lawmakers absent due to arrests and a fugitive status, leaving 21 senators to handle both legislative duties and the trial.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of impeachment as a accountability mechanism but stressed the urgency of passing legislation to address national needs.