The 16 lawyers representing Vice President Sara Z. Duterte formally entered their appearance before the Senate impeachment court. According to a news release issued by the Senate on Monday night, the Appearance Ad Cautelam was received at 5:03 p.m. by the Office of the Senate Secretary, acting as Clerk of Court.
The filing was submitted by the law firm Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, with the lawyers entering their appearance “without prejudice to any jurisdictional and/or other objections” that the Vice President may raise.
The lawyers who signed the entry of appearance are as follows:
- Philip Sigfrid A. Fortun
- Gregorio Y. Narvasa II
- Sheila C. Sison
- Carlo Joaquin T. Narvasa
- Roberto A. Tungpalan-Bacalc
- Justin Nicol B. Gular
- Lindon Miguel L. Miguel
- David Ronell M. Golla VII
- Maria Selene Golda R. Fortun
- Claribae F. Radoc
- Francesca Marie Y. Flores
- Miguel Carlos A. Fernandez
- Michael Wesley T. Poa
- Reynold S. Munsayac
- Mark C. Vinluan
- Ralph B. Bodota
A copy of the entry was also tendered to the House of Representatives at 3:42 p.m. on the same day, but it was marked with the note: “Tender Copy refuse to receive.”
This move formally establishes the Vice President’s legal representation before the Senate, which had previously convened as an impeachment court and issued summons to Duterte. However, the Senate also voted to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House, citing procedural concerns.