Manila, July 16 -- The withdrawal of around six prosecution witnesses could cut as many as 12 hearing days from Article 4 of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, although the entire proceeding may still stretch to about 102 days.

Impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol said Thursday the initial schedule assumed that each witness could occupy about two trial days.

"That's 12 days out of the expected 20 days," Tongol said, referring to the possible reduction in the prosecution's presentation under Article 4.

The prosecution had initially allotted 11 hearing days for about 10 witnesses, with an additional day intended for possible delays. Based on the pace of the proceedings, however, Tongol said calling all the witnes...