SENATOR-JUDGES in the coming impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona for alleged betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, among others, are hoping to wrap up the impeachment process within a six-month time frame, starting mid-January.

“Hopefully, we can finish it [Corona impeachment trial] before the Easter break,” Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto said over the weekend.

He acknowledged in a radio interview, however, that the process could drag on beyond the Holy Week recess when both chambers of Congress usually adjourn their sessions for four weeks to enable lawmakers to visit their constituencies.

Still, Sotto said the impeach court could likely wind up its hearings by then “huwag lang magkaroon ng mahabang delays [in the trial], which could be part of strategy by either side.”

Sotto confirmed that when the Senate reconvenes on January 16, legislative sessions will be held in the morning, while the impeachment court will meet starting at 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

“On January 16, the impeachment court will reopen its proceedings to receive the House prosecutors and their private lawyers, as well as the members of the defense panel that will handle Corona’s case.

The Senate Majority Leader added he does not “see anything that will stop impeach trial unless something [unexpected] comes about.”  He  did not elaborate but it was presumed that he was referring to the possibility that the Supreme Court may rule the impeachment complaint to be flawed or Corona opts to resign to avoid a potentially harsh and upsetting political process.

Still, Sotto said they expect to finalize the timetable when the impeachment court meets the prosecution and defense panels on January 16.