MANILA — Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. denied Thursday that his meeting with Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff involved any discussion of the impeachment case itself, saying the talks were limited to logistical preparations for the trial.
Bantug explained that lawyer Zuleika Lopez met with him to coordinate matters such as seating arrangements, holding areas, equipment, catering, media access, and potential security requirements if Duterte chooses to attend future trial sessions.
“The discussion was purely administrative,” Bantug said, adding that the defense panel had already been informed that 45 seats could be allocated for its guests.
He said the defense asked whether it could bring appliances such as a refrigerator and coffee maker into its holding area and whether it could engage its own caterer. The Senate granted the requests, treating them as routine logistical concerns similar to those regularly coordinated with House officials.
According to Bantug, the defense may also bring its own media personnel, although private video coverage inside the Senate session hall will not be allowed.
Bantug emphasized that no matters related to the substance or merits of the impeachment case were discussed during the meeting.
He further explained that he met with Lopez in his role as Senate Secretary coordinating with the Office of the Vice President, not in his capacity as impeachment Clerk of Court handling trial proceedings.
To address concerns about the meeting, Bantug noted that it was conducted openly and attended by his staff, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Senate Protocol Office chief. No senator-judge participated in the discussion.
Bantug also clarified that he did not serve the subpoena on Lopez during the meeting because service of subpoenas is the responsibility of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
“The subpoena was signed Wednesday night and picked up Thursday morning. The Sergeant-at-Arms is prepared to serve it within the day,” he said.
He added that Lopez gave no indication whether Vice President Duterte intends to appear at the next trial session.
Security arrangements were discussed only in general terms, Bantug said, and the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Protocol Office remain ready to provide assistance should the Vice President decide to visit the Senate during the impeachment proceedings.
