At exactly 5:49 p.m., the Senate impeachment court formally received Vice President Sara Duterte’s answer ad cautelam in response to the writ of summons issued against her.
The document was delivered by Arnel Barrientos Jr., a messenger from the Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar law firm, which will be representing VP Duterte during the proceedings.
Six thick copies of the response were submitted to the Clerk of Court under Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr.
The response spans 35 pages and outlines the argument that the impeachment case is “void ab initio,” or invalid from the outset, seeking its dismissal.
Duterte was previously given a non-extendible 10-day deadline to respond upon receipt of the writ of summons and complaint copy, as stipulated in Article 7 of the impeachment rules.
Her office acknowledged receipt of the summons on June 11, leaving only until 7:00 p.m. of the deadline day for submission— which her team successfully met.
Copies of the response will also be provided to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Impeachment Court Spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol, and distributed to all senators.