The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte assured that it will comply with all procedural requirements of the Senate impeachment court, following the expected issuance of a writ of summons requiring her to respond within 10 days.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has begun formal proceedings on Monday after convening earlier in the process, with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano announcing that the summons will be served as part of initial trial procedures.
In an official statement, the vice president’s defense counsel said it recognizes the authority of the impeachment court and will respond accordingly within constitutional timelines.
“We note that the Senate has convened as an Impeachment Court and that summons will be issued in due course. We will comply and file the appropriate response in accordance with the Constitution and applicable rules,” it added.
The legal team emphasized that it would not be issuing further public remarks at this stage, citing respect for the ongoing proceedings.
“At this stage, and out of respect for the process, we find it prudent to refrain from further comment,” the statement read.
The issuance of a writ of summons is a standard initial step in impeachment proceedings, formally notifying the respondent and requiring a written answer before the trial proceeds to subsequent stages under Senate rules.
