Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team, consisting of 16 lawyers, has formally entered its appearance before the Senate impeachment court. This move solidifies her legal representation against the impeachment charges she faces.

According to a news release from the Senate on Monday night, June 16, 2025, the “Appearance Ad Cautelam” was received at 5:03 p.m. by the Office of the Senate Secretary, acting as Clerk of Court.

The filing was submitted by the law firm Fortun Narvasa & Salazar. The lawyers noted that their appearance is “without prejudice to any jurisdictional and/or other objections” that the Vice President may raise in the future.

The 16 lawyers who signed the entry of appearance are:

• Philip Sigfrid A. Fortun
• Gregorio Y. Narvasa II
• Sheila C. Sison
• Carlo Joaquin T. Narvasa
• Roberto A. Tungpalan-Bacalc
• Justin Nicol B. Gular
• Lindon Miguel L. Miguel
• David Ronell M. Golla VII
• Maria Selene Golda R. Fortun
• Claribae F. Radoc
• Francesca Marie Y. Flores
• Miguel Carlos A. Fernandez
• Michael Wesley T. Poa
• Reynold S. Munsayac
• Mark C. Vinluan
• Ralph B. Bodota

A copy of the filing was also presented to the House of Representatives at 3:42 p.m. on the same day, but it was marked with the note: “Tender Copy refuse to receive.”

This formal entry establishes the Vice President’s legal representation before the Senate, which had previously convened as an impeachment court and issued summons to Duterte. However, it’s worth noting that the Senate had also voted earlier to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House, citing procedural concerns.