Senate impeachment court subpoenas Zuleika Lopez for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

The Senate impeachment court has subpoenaed Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Impeachment Court spokesperson Regie Tongol, a subpoena ad testificandum was issued to Lopez on Thursday, requiring her to appear before the court on July 13 and July 14 at 2 p.m. to provide "material testimony" in relation to Duterte's impeachment case.

The OVP's Central Records Unit received the subpoena.

Earlier in the day, Lopez arrived at the Senate day for a coordination meeting with Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr.

Asked for the purpose of her visit, Lopez answered: "Prepare for Typhoon Inday."

Bantug, for his part, said they discussed administrative issues during the open-door meeting, including the number of allocated seats for the guests of the Defense team, and security protocols should Duterte visit the Senate again.

The OVP also asked if they can bring their own equipment and media team during the trial.

"Housekeeping. Nothing to do with my Clerk of Court duties. It was me meeting them more as a Secretary of the Senate...Nothing about the case was discussed," he said.

On Wednesday, the Senate impeachment court directed the issuance of subpoena against Lopez. This comes after House prosecutor and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor informed the court they will present the Vice President's long-time aide as one of their witnesses next week.

Lopez will take the stand on Tuesday, July 14. She will testify on Article 4 of the Articles of Impeachment which accuses the Vice President of culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, and contracting betrayed public trust by contracting for the assassination of the President and his family members by making grave threats, and by actively inciting sedition against the republic. — RSJ, GMA News