Sara Has Until Today to Answer Senate Summons

Today is the last day for Vice President Sara Duterte to answer the writ of summons issued by the Senate impeachment court; otherwise, she loses the right to reply to the charges against her.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

Senate President Francis Escudero previously said Duterte received the writ on June 12.

Senate impeachment court spokesman Reginald Tongol said the "deadliest deadline" was June 23, noting how the last day under the 10-day period upon receipt fell on a weekend when there was no work at the Senate.

The Vice President is facing charges of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, among other charges.

The STAR sought the impeachment court's confirmation whether Duterte's legal team had already filed a pleading over the weekend but has yet to get a response response. The Office of the Vice President has not publicly commented on the summons.

Under the Senate’s impeachment rules, failure to file a verified answer within the prescribed period allows the court to declare her in default and to proceed with the trial.

“She will not be allowed to present evidence, and a judgment can be rendered on the basis alone of the evidence presented by the prosecutors,” former Senate president Franklin Drilon told reporters.

Should Duterte be declared in default, outgoing Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said her legal team can file a motion to “set aside the Order of Default, upon meritorious grounds and in the interest of justice.”