House ready for Duterte trial, 2027 budget talks: Khonghun

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is ready to handle both Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial and looming talks on the proposed 2027 budget, House Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun said on Sunday. He expressed this preparedness as he sought to allay concerns that ouster proceedings would distract legislators from lawmaking. He said “teams” are assigned to each responsibility, adding that the lower chamber can fulfill its legislative duties despite Duterte’s trial. “Many are at work in Congress: Some are assigned to the impeachment, others to budget review, and others to legislative work,” he told dzBB radio in Filipino. “It will run through. Teams are assigned to each task in the House,” he said. READ: Cabinet approves 2027 national expenditure program Duterte’s trial, expected to last for months, coincides with the executive’s plan to submit the proposed 2027 budget to Congress for review and ratification. The spending plan will be submitted to Congress within 30 days after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s annual state address. Concerns linger that the proceedings could affect the work of the more than 300‑member lower chamber as budget season nears. This is a period often marked by marathon committee hearings, with lawmakers and civil society groups closely scrutinizing the spending plan. The Marcos administration is eyeing a P7.2–trillion spending plan for next year. /apl