Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team has formally sought approval from the Senate to bring their own appliances and secure a private caterer for their assigned holding room during the upcoming impeachment trial, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed.
The logistical requests were raised by OVP Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez during a Thursday visit to the Senate, which was intended to iron out administrative details for the high-profile tribunal.
According to Bantug, Lopez initially clarified the seating arrangements for the defense team.
He assured her that they would keep the 45 seats previously designated for them before the conversation turned toward specific amenities for their room.
”The second was, dun sa holding area, can they bring in their own equipment? Of course, they asked if they can bring in a refrigerator, a coffee maker. Sabi ko, yes. And then whether they can engage their own caterer,” Bantug said.
Lopez’s visit to the Senate drew significant scrutiny as it occurred just a day after the impeachment court approved the House prosecution’s request to subpoena her as a witness for next week’s proceedings.
Following her meeting with Senate officials, Lopez briefly spoke to members of the press, offering only a brief remark:
”Prepare for Typhoon Inday.”
Meanwhile, Senate impeachment court spokesperson lawyer Regie Tongol issued a reminder that failing to comply with a subpoena from the tribunal could lead to a contempt citation.
The formal subpoena ad testificandum compelling Lopez to testify has already been issued. Signed by presiding officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the order was officially served to and received by the OVP’s Central Records Unit at 1:10 p.m. on Thursday.