MANILA, Philippines – The Senate impeachment court has directed Vice President Sara Duterte or her counsel to appear at the opening of her impeachment trial on Monday, July 6.

In a notice issued on July 2, the Senate informed Duterte and her legal counsel that the impeachment trial will commence at 2 pm on July 6 at the Senate Session Hall in Pasay City.

The notice, addressed to Duterte through her lawyers at Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, cited Rule VI of the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials and the writ of summons issued on May 19.

It ordered the Vice President to “appear before the Senate of the Philippines upon notice, and to abide by, obey and perform such orders, directions, and judgments as the Senate of the Philippines shall make in the premises according to the Constitution and laws of the Philippines.”

The Senate directed Duterte to appear either in person or through counsel before the impeachment court on the scheduled date.

The July 6 proceeding marks the formal start of Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Duterte’s impeachment trial will also be open to the public, but seating will be limited.

– Rappler.com