INQUIRER/SCREENGRAB PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson confirmed that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) sought Senate funding for catering during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, but a defense lawyer said the request does not appear to have been granted.
“Well, I can confirm that no such arrangement is being allowed, as far as I know,” defense counsel and spokesperson Michael Poa said during a press briefing when asked about the request for the Senate to shoulder the costs.
Poa said he could not discuss the July 7 letter in detail because the defense team had no role in preparing it.
Article continues after this advertisement
Asked about the meals being served to the defense panel, Poa said: “It’s okay, but I don’t know. I don’t think it’s being supplied by the Senate.”
Impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol, meanwhile, said he was not privy to the matter and that it was “outside my pay grade.”
Lacson confirmed the authenticity of the July 7 letter in a text message to reporters but said a subsequent communication appeared to have modified its contents.
“Although, I should say that apparently there is a follow-up letter modifying it, but not expressly requesting to disregard the letter that you showed me,” Lacson said.
Addressed to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, the letter asked the Senate to shoulder the “reasonable costs” of food, beverages and catering services for the defense team, support staff and witnesses.
Article continues after this advertisement
“As these arrangements are required solely in connection with these proceedings, the OVP respectfully requests that the Senate shoulder the reasonable costs of food and beverage and catering services for the defense team, support staff, and witnesses,” the letter read.
The OVP also requested that all food and beverages for the defense team, support staff and witnesses be served only in their designated holding room and be sourced, prepared and served exclusively by the OVP’s accredited caterer, citing security concerns.
Article continues after this advertisement
According to the letter, the arrangements were necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of the defense team, support staff and witnesses and to ensure their full participation in the proceedings.
It remained unclear as of posting whether the Senate had formally acted on the requests.
READ: Sara Duterte camp wants to bring own equipment, caterer at Senate room
On July 10, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug said Duterte’s camp, through chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, had inquired about bringing its own equipment and hiring a caterer for its holding area during the impeachment trial. Bantug said the request was not unusual because the prosecution panel had also brought its own equipment and catering arrangements.
The OVP also told the Inquirer on July 10 that the requested equipment and catering services were intended for everyone and for coverage purposes.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations of amassing unexplained wealth, bribery, misuse of confidential funds, and making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. /dm