The Philippine Senate impeachment court served a subpoena to Zuleika Lopez, the chief of staff for the Office of the Vice President [1, 2].
Lopez is considered a key witness in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Her testimony could provide critical insights into the administration's internal operations as the House prosecution panel seeks to build its case.
The subpoena ad testificandum was served on Thursday [1]. This legal order followed the first week of the trial, which concluded on Wednesday during the week of May 18-23, 2026 [3].
The proceedings are centered in the Senate chamber in Manila, where the Senate has convened as an impeachment court [4, 5]. The court officially began its session on Monday, May 18, 2026 [5].
While the House prosecution panel requested the subpoena to secure Lopez's testimony [1], the Senate impeachment court issued the final order [2]. Impeachment Court spokesperson Regie Tongol said the subpoena was issued [2].
The trial occurs amid a period of significant political tension in the Philippines. The court's decision to summon a top aide of the Vice President signals a move to penetrate the inner circle of the defendant's office to gather evidence regarding the allegations [1, 2].
“Zuleika Lopez, the chief of staff for the Office of the Vice President, was subpoenaed to testify.”
The summoning of the Vice President's chief of staff represents a tactical escalation by the prosecution. By targeting a high-ranking aide with direct knowledge of the Office of the Vice President's operations, the court is attempting to move beyond circumstantial evidence to establish a direct record of conduct. The outcome of Lopez's testimony could either solidify the charges against Sara Duterte or create a legal shield for the Vice President's administration.
