The Senate has tightened security measures as Vice President Sara Duterte is set to file her answer to the writ of summons on Monday, June 1, as part of proceedings in her impeachment case.
Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales said Duterte has until 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to submit her response to the Articles of Impeachment. He said the Vice President may file her answer personally, through counsel, or via electronic mail.
“Vice President Sara Duterte has until Monday, 1 June 2026, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to file her answer to the Articles of Impeachment. The Vice President may file her answer personally, through counsel, or through electronic mail,” Montales said in an advisory.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano earlier confirmed that the summons was served on Duterte on May 20, two days after the upper chamber convened as an impeachment court. The formal trial is scheduled to begin on July 6.
Duterte is facing allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. Under Senate rules, she was given a non-extendible 10-day period from receipt of summons to file her pleadings, while the prosecution has five days to respond.
To ensure order during the high-profile filing, the Office of the Senate Secretary issued media and security guidelines, including designated areas for coverage and possible press briefings.
“The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms has been directed to ensure compliance with these guidelines,” the advisory said, adding that the measures aim to maintain an orderly and secure process while allowing media access.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it is coordinating with Senate security officials as police presence remains outside the Senate building in Pasay City amid ongoing demonstrations tied to political issues and the impeachment proceedings.
Authorities said the heightened security aims to manage crowd control, ensure public safety, and maintain order as a key phase of the impeachment process unfolds.
