Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the Senate building on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, ahead of the second day of her impeachment trial. Her visit was solely to meet with her legal team.
In a brief statement to the media, Duterte declared, “In this bloodbath and bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed.”
Defense Team Confirms She Attended Other Events
According to Atty. Michael Poa, spokesperson for Duterte’s defense team, the Vice President proceeded with her other scheduled activities after the meeting.
Duterte had earlier announced she would not personally attend her impeachment trial, maintaining her position that a respondent has the constitutional right to be represented by counsel.
Senate Court Says Attendance Cannot Be Forced
Atty. Reginald Tongol, spokesperson for the Senate impeachment court, stated that Duterte cannot be compelled to attend her trial because she has rights against self-incrimination and to be represented by her lawyers.
Article IV Under Scrutiny
The Senate impeachment court is examining Article IV of the articles of impeachment against Duterte on July 7 and 8, concerning allegations of grave threats she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
NBI Officials Subpoenaed
Subpoenas were issued to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc and Senior Agent John Mark Calilung to appear before the impeachment court regarding the issue.
During a House Committee on Justice hearing in April on the impeachment complaint against Duterte, the NBI said that the Vice President’s threats—that she had instructed someone to kill the president, first lady, and Romualdez if she herself were killed—could be considered grave threats and inciting to sedition.
Duterte made those remarks during a press conference on November 23, 2025.
