Manila: Impeachment Clerk of Court and Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. clarified that his meeting with Vice President Sara Duterte's chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, was solely for administrative purposes concerning the impeachment trial. The meeting focused on logistical arrangements rather than any substantive issues related to the case.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bantug stated that Lopez's meeting was to discuss various logistical aspects, including seat allocations, holding area arrangements, equipment, catering, media access, and potential security coordination. These arrangements were in preparation for the possibility of Vice President Duterte attending any of the trial days.
Bantug explained that the discussions were strictly about administrative matters, such as the number of guests and seat allocations for the defense team. He mentioned that the defense had 45 seats and had also inquired about bringing equipment like a refrigerator and coffee maker to its holding area, which the Senate permitted. The defense was also allowed to engage its own caterer for the trial.
He further noted that while the defense could bring its own media personnel, private coverage inside the session hall would not be permitted. Bantug emphasized that no elements related to the impeachment case were addressed during the meeting, reiterating its administrative nature.
Bantug met with Lopez in his role as Senate Secretary, coordinating with the Office of the Vice President's chief of staff, and not in his capacity as impeachment Clerk of Court. He dismissed concerns about any potential impact on the proceedings, highlighting that the meeting was open-door and attended by relevant Senate staff, including the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and the head of the Senate Protocol Office.
Addressing procedural aspects, Bantug clarified that he did not serve a subpoena to Lopez during the meeting, as this responsibility lies with the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms. The subpoena was signed the night before and was ready to be served within the day.
Lopez did not indicate whether Vice President Duterte would attend the next trial day. Bantug mentioned that security arrangements were discussed in general terms, should Duterte decide to attend the trial or meet with her counsel at the Senate. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Protocol Office were prepared to provide necessary assistance upon notification of any visit by the Vice President.
