VP Sara Duterte Assembles Legal Team as Impeachment Case Moves Forward

PCI

Vice President Sara Duterte (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal defense has formally entered the Senate impeachment court, marking the start of what could become a high-profile legal and political battle. Sixteen lawyers from the firm Fortun Narvasa & Salazar submitted their official appearance on Monday, signaling readiness to challenge the proceedings.

The filing, called Appearance Ad Cautelam, was received by the Senate at 5:03 p.m. It allows Duterte’s team to raise future objections—especially about the court’s jurisdiction or other legal issues. A copy of the document was also sent to the House of Representatives earlier that day, but it was reportedly refused.

The legal team includes:

• Philip Sigfrid A. Fortun
• Gregorio Y. Narvasa II
• Sheila C. Sison
• Carlo Joaquin T. Narvasa
• Roberto A. Tungpalan-Bacalc
• Justin Nicol B. Gular
• Lindon Miguel L. Miguel
• David Ronell M. Golla VII
• Maria Selene Golda R. Fortun
• Claribae F. Radoc
• Francesca Marie Y. Flores
• Miguel Carlos A. Fernandez
• Michael Wesley T. Poa
• Reynold S. Munsayac
• Mark C. Vinluan
• Ralph B. Bodota

This legal move follows the Senate’s decision to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House, citing procedural issues. With Duterte’s legal team now in place, the focus shifts to whether the case will proceed—and how both chambers will handle the legal and political tension it brings.