THE Office of the Vice-President (OVP) on Wednesday said it received the summons issued by the impeachment court as the Senate begins its preparations for the trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“The Office of the Vice-President confirms receipt of the Summons issued by the Impeachment Court at approximately 10:40 AM today, 20 May 2026,” Ms. Duterte’s office told reporters via Viber.
Her office did not elaborate on how the Vice-President will respond. She has until May 30 to file her answer.
The chamber, presided by Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano, issued the summons to Ms. Duterte on Monday after the Senate officially convened as an impeachment court.
Ms. Duterte is accused of betrayal of public trust, graft, violations of the Constitution and a plot to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. She has denied all accusations.
The Senate will likely begin the trial in June.
The House of Representatives impeached her twice. The first attempt collapsed in the Senate, which archived the articles after the Supreme Court declared the proceedings unconstitutional.
Renewed efforts to remove Ms. Duterte resumed in February 2026, following the lapse of the one-year bar.
If the Senate convicts her, she will be perpetually barred from holding public office, derailing her dreams to become president in 2028. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
