The Senate impeachment court has formally issued a writ of summons to Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the next step in the high-profile impeachment proceedings against her.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms OIC Manuel Parlade served the summons on Wednesday, with the Office of the Vice President confirming receipt at 10:40 a.m.
Under Senate rules, Duterte has 10 non-extendible calendar days from receipt to file her response, with the court empowered to require her appearance upon notice.
The prosecution panel was likewise given five calendar days to submit a reply once Duterte files her answer, in line with impeachment procedures.
The Senate had convened as an impeachment court earlier this week, formally taking up the case involving allegations of constitutional violations, graft, and betrayal of public trust.
The case stemmed from a House vote on May 11, where lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the articles of impeachment against the vice president.
Her impeachment trial now moves into its initial pleading stage, with both sides expected to submit their arguments and evidence under the Senate’s rules of procedure.