Sara Duterte camp sought to bring own equipment, caterer for Senate impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp inquired about bringing their own equipment and hiring their own caterer for the holding area during the impeachment trial, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug said Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Bantug said the requests were among the administrative and logistical matters raised by Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff, Office of the Vice President (OVP) Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, during her visit to the Senate. He said one of the initial concerns raised was the number of seats allotted to the defense team during the trial. Bantug said he replied that 45 seats had been allotted, as previously communicated, and proceeded to clarify the procedures. READ: ‘Prepare for Typhoon Inday,’ says Zuleika Lopez during Senate visit “The second concern was in the holding area; they asked whether they could bring in their own equipment. ‘Of course.’ They asked if they could bring in a refrigerator and a coffee maker, and I said ‘yes’. They also asked whether they could engage their own caterer, so ‘yes,’” Bantug said mostly in Filipino. In a message to the Inquirer on Friday, the OVP said the requested equipment and catering services were for all, and for the purposes of coverage. The OVP was asked whether the said equipment was for the use of the vice president alone, the whole defense team, or media covering the defense team. Lopez’ visit to the Senate drew attention because it came a day after the impeachment court granted the House prosecution panel’s request to subpoena her as one of its witnesses. Bantug, however, clarified that the meeting had been scheduled two days earlier and dealt only with administrative and logistical matters. He also said it “would not be proper” to discuss the subpoena issued against Lopez. READ: Trial spox: Senate keeps room ready for Sara Duterte’s appearance On Friday, impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol also said the Senate has set aside a holding room for Duterte should she choose to personally attend the proceedings. He added that the holding room was prepared “to respect the office that she holds as well, and the stature that she has in our system of government.” Duterte, who is facing impeachment over allegations of amassing unexplained wealth, bribery, misuse of confidential funds, and making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, has yet to attend her impeachment proceedings. Duterte briefly visited the Senate on July 7 to meet with members of her defense team before leaving ahead of the session. The Inquirer likewise asked Bantug and Tongol whether such requests are standard practice in Senate proceedings. They have yet to respond as of posting time. /jpv