OVP confirms receipt of impeachment court summons on Sara Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday confirmed that it received the summons issued by the Senate impeachment court in connection with the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. 

According to the OVP, the summons was received at around 10:40 a.m. on May 20.

“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,” the OVP said in a Viber message to reporters.

The confirmation came two days after the Senate, convening as an impeachment court, approved a motion to issue a writ of summons directing Duterte to answer the allegations stated in the articles of impeachment.

READ: Impeachment court summons Sara Duterte to respond to complaints

Under the rules adopted by the impeachment court, Duterte has 10 days from receipt of the summons to file her response. If she fails to answer within the said period, the impeachment court will proceed with the trial.

Previously, Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team, through lawyer Michael Poa, said they would respond accordingly to the summons issued by the impeachment court.

The complaints against the vice president include allegations of betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.

Once Duterte submits her answer, the House prosecution panel will be given five days to file a reply. /jpv /atm