The Senate impeachment court issued a writ of summons against Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her impeachment case.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Officer-in-Charge Manuel Parlade led the serving of the written summons.
In a message to reporters, the Office of the Vice President confirmed that it received the summons at 10:40 a.m.
Under Senate Resolution No. 39 or the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trial, Duterte has a non-extendible period of 10 calendar days from receipt of the summons to file her pleadings. She will also be required to appear before the Senate impeachment court upon notice.
The prosecution panel, meanwhile, may file its reply within a non-extendible period of five calendar days after receiving Duterte’s response.
The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday for the trial of the vice president, who is facing allegations of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
The impeachment proceedings stemmed from the House of Representatives’ vote on May 11, where lawmakers voted 257-25 to impeach Duterte for the second consecutive year.
