Senate issues summons to VP Duterte; awaits House clarification

The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, formally issued a writ of summons to Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, directing her to respond to the articles of impeachment within 10 days.

Vice President Duterte confirmed in an interview in Kuala Lumpur that she would comply with the summons and said that her lawyers are now preparing how to respond.

The Office of Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan served the summons at the Office of the Vice President headquarters on June 11, containing the seven articles of impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives.

Senate President Francis Escudero ordered the return of the case to the House for clarification due to Tuesday's developments, and a member of the House prosecution panel noted that the summons was 'confusing'.

The Senate will await certification from new House members on June 30 regarding their willingness to prosecute the case, with the impeachment proceedings expected to continue in the 12th Congress.