Manila: Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said some manifestations during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have become "obviously irrelevant" and are beginning to test the patience of both lawmakers and observers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson made the remark after sharing a lighthearted exchange with an unnamed senator-judge, saying those in the gallery would likely welcome a motion to adjourn whenever lengthy manifestations stray from the issues in the trial. He noted that a fellow senator-judge had jokingly considered moving for the division of the house each time irrelevant manifestations were made, highlighting the frustration felt by many. Lacson humorously suggested that a motion to adjourn might receive applause from the gallery, which has also shown signs of impatience.

Wednesday's hearing, which was Day 6 of the trial, did not include any witness testimonies but was instead marked by lengthy discussions. Some of these discussions centered around the timing of a National Bureau of Investigation probe into the multibillion-peso sports complex built for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Tarlac, rather than focusing on the core issues of the impeachment trial.

Last week, Lacson proposed measures aimed at expediting the trial proceedings. These measures include ensuring that witnesses scheduled to testify remain available within the Senate premises throughout the week. Lacson emphasized that while it is important to speed up the trial, it should not come at the expense of compromising the presentation of evidence. The primary goal is to make efficient use of the impeachment court's limited time.

Furthermore, Lacson underscored the importance of providing the Vice President, like any respondent in a regular court proceeding, with a speedy trial. This principle of a fair and timely trial is a cornerstone of judicial processes.

The prosecution is preparing to present National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag as its next witness when the trial resumes next week. This upcoming testimony is expected to be a significant part of the prosecution's case against Vice President Sara Duterte.