Courtesy: Manila Bulletin
OFFICE of the Vice President (OVP) Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez arrived at the Senate on Thursday, just one day after the Impeachment Court ordered the issuance of a subpoena requiring her appearance in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Her presence at the premises drew immediate attention, though initial details indicated her visit was focused on logistical arrangements rather than formal testimony.
Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that Lopez met with his office to coordinate matters described as “mainly administrative,” including room assignments and staff access, and clarified that the discussion did not touch on the merits of the impeachment case itself.
When asked by reporters about the purpose of her visit, Lopez gave a brief and unexpected response, saying only, “Prepare for Typhoon Inday,” without providing further details or comments on the proceedings.
Meanwhile, House Prosecutor and Iloilo Representative Lorenz Defensor informed the court during Wednesday’s session that Lopez will be presented as a key witness starting next week. Her appearance comes amid arguments from the defense that her 2024 detention at the House of Representatives and subsequent transfer to the Correctional Institute for Women was the reason behind the Vice President’s alleged statements against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
Lopez is scheduled to formally take the witness stand on Tuesday, July 14, where she will testify specifically on Article 4 of the impeachment complaint.
This article accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, committing high crimes, and betraying public trust—allegations that include claims of making grave threats against the President and his family, and inciting sedition. Notably, while the court has already ordered the subpoena, it has yet to be formally served to Lopez, adding another layer of procedural detail as the trial moves toward its next phase of evidence presentation.
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