The Senate Impeachment Court gave Vice President Sara Duterte until June 1, 2026 to respond to the summons issued in connection with the impeachment complaints filed against her.
During the Senate’s regular plenary session on Wednesday, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano announced that the summons related to the articles of impeachment had been duly served. A copy was likewise furnished to the prosecution panel.
“Under the applicable rules, the respondent is given 10 calendar days from the service of summons within which to file her answer,” Cayetano said.
He explained that counting 10 calendar days from May 20 would place the original deadline on Saturday, May 30, 2026. However, because the deadline falls on a weekend, the filing period is automatically extended to the next working day.
“Accordingly, the deadline for the respondent to file her answer is on Monday, June 1, 2026,” Cayetano said.
The Senate chief clarified that once the prosecution panel receives Duterte’s response, prosecutors will be given five calendar days to submit a reply should they choose to do so.
