Sara Duterte Asks Senate to Fund Defense Team's Meals During Impeachment Trial

Vice President Sara Duterte has reportedly sent a letter to the Senate, requesting the upper legislative chamber to shoulder the food expenses of her legal defense team during her ongoing impeachment trial. The letter, dated July 7 and addressed to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, outlines three requests: food and beverages for the defense team to be served in their designated holding room at the Senate; sourcing and preparation by the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) accredited caterer for security reasons; and for the Senate to cover the costs of food, beverage, and catering services for the defense team, support staff, and witnesses. The Vice President's office explained that these arrangements are requested "solely in connection" with her impeachment trial. However, Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairperson of the committee on accounts, has expressed strong opposition. He noted that the Senate has its own accredited caterer selected through a regular bidding process, and accommodating the OVP's caterer and covering their expenses could violate government procurement law. Lacson also pointed out that the Senate has substantial unspent appropriations for the impeachment trial, which can be obligated until December 2026, and these funds can cover meals for both prosecution and defense teams, witnesses, and support staff. Michael Poa, a spokesperson and counsel for the defense team, stated that this is an OVP matter and the defense team has no participation. He confirmed that no requests have been granted so far. Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives, who are serving as prosecutors in the impeachment trial, finance the operating expenses of their prosecution panel. Deputy Speaker Janette Garin commented that the Vice President has her own office and these expenses should be charged to it, finding it "highly improper" for the Senate to bear such costs. Given that the Senate houses the senator-judges presiding over the trial, it is considered unlikely that Duterte's request will be granted. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the sitting majority in the Senate is reportedly not aligned with the Vice President, making it appear unusual for the Senate to fund the defense of an individual being tried by its own members.