The impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte will officially begin on July 6, Senator Erwin Tulfo said Thursday.

"The actual trial is expected to start on July 6, after our sine die break. If I remember correctly, the plan is that before the SONA (State of the Nation Address), we will have sessions every Monday morning from 10 am to 1 pm," said Tulfo in a TV interview.

"There will be a one-hour break at 2 pm, after which the trial will proceed from 2 pm onward, for as long as necessary, even until 11 pm or midnight if needed," he added.

Tulfo noted that beginning July the senators will work five days a week instead of just three working days.

"Tuesday will be the same, with trial proceedings. Wednesday as well, trial. On Thursday, we will hold committee hearings," he said.

"After the SONA, things will really move quickly. We will have to dedicate substantial time to the trial. I believe there will be three days allotted for the trial and one day for sessions and hearings," he added.

Tulfo explained that although Friday should be their break, "committees that wish to conduct hearings may still do so on Fridays."

The Senate convened as an impeachment court last May 18 after the articles of impeachment against Duterte were transmitted by the House of Representative to the Upper Chamber on the night of May 13. Robina Asido/PHS