VICE President Sara Duterte’s defense team officially entered its appearance before the Senate impeachment court on Monday, June 16, 2025, with a formidable legal team of sixteen lawyers assembled to represent her.
The formal entry, submitted at 5:03 p.m., was received by the Secretary of the Senate, acting as the impeachment clerk of court. The legal team, hailing from the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm, will be responsible for mounting Duterte’s defense against the articles of impeachment filed against her.
The House of Representatives was formally notified of the defense team’s appearance, though they reportedly refused to accept a copy of the notification.
The sixteen lawyers representing the Vice President are: Philip Sigfried Fortun, Gregorio Narvasa, Sheila Sison, Carlo Joaquin Narvasa, Roberto Batungbacal, Justin Nicol Gular, Lindon Miguel Bacquel, David Ronell Golla VII, Maria Selena Golda Fortun, Claraine Radoc, Francesca Marie Flores, Miguel Carlos Fernandez, Michael Wesley Poa, Reynold Munsayac, Mark Vinluan, and Ralph Bodota. This substantial legal team underscores the seriousness with which the Vice President is approaching the impeachment proceedings.
The formal entry of the defense team follows the Senate impeachment court’s issuance of a writ of summons on June 11th, giving the Vice President ten days to respond to the articles of impeachment filed by the House of Representatives on February 5.
These articles allege misuse of confidential funds within the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. The large number of lawyers assembled for the defense suggests a comprehensive and robust legal strategy is being prepared to counter the accusations.
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte are expected to be a significant event in Philippine politics.
The size and experience of her legal team indicate a determined effort to refute the charges and ensure a vigorous defense in the Senate impeachment court. The coming weeks will be crucial as the defense team prepares its response to the articles of impeachment and the trial progresses.
