VP Sara’s 16 impeachment lawyers file formal entry of appearance

Senate building (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The 16 lawyers who will defend Vice President Sara Z. Duterte against impeachment charges formally entered their appearance before the Senate impeachment court.

According to a news release issued by the Senate Monday night, the Appearance Ad Cautelam was received at 5:03 p.m. by the Office of the Senate Secretary acting as Clerk of Court.

The filing was submitted by the law firm Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, with the lawyers entering their appearance “without prejudice to any jurisdictional and/or other objections” the Vice President may raise.

The lawyers who signed the entry of appearance:
• 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

A copy was also tendered to the House of Representatives at 3:42 p.m. on the same day, but was marked with the note: “Tender Copy refuse to receive.”

The move formally establishes the Vice President’s legal representation before the Senate, which had earlier convened as an impeachment court and issued summons to Duterte.

However, the Senate also voted to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House, citing procedural concerns.