MANILA, Philippines — The legal team representing Vice President Sara Duterte has formally entered its appearance before the Senate impeachment court, composed of 16 lawyers from the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol confirmed Monday that the team submitted its official entry at 5:03 p.m., which was received by the Secretary of the Senate acting as the impeachment court’s Clerk of Court.

“As of 5:03 pm, the Senate Impeachment Court through the Secretary of the Senate acting as Clerk of Court received the Appearance – Ad Cautelam from the law firm of Fortun Narvasa & Salazar to appear and act as counsel for Vice President Sara Z. Duterte dated June 16, 2025,” the Senate impeachment court stated in a statement.

The Senate also noted that the House of Representatives was listed as having been copy furnished with the same document at 3:42 p.m., but a note indicated “Tender Copy refuse to receive.”

The following lawyers comprise Duterte’s defense team: 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.

The Senate earlier issued a writ of summons on June 11, giving Duterte ten days to respond to the articles of impeachment transmitted by the House on February 5.

Duterte is facing impeachment after 215 members of the House of Representatives endorsed a complaint accusing her of misusing confidential funds under both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. This marks the fourth impeachment complaint filed against her.