Tongol: Zuleika Lopez may have to explain if she ignores subpoena

MANILA, Philippines — Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff and Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez could be ordered to explain why she should not be cited for contempt if she fails to comply with a Senate impeachment court subpoena requiring her to appear as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said Friday.

“Like any other compulsory process, if someone fails to comply with the court, they can be ordered to explain why they should not be cited for contempt,” Tongol told reporters.

Tongol made the remarks in a press briefing when asked what could possibly happen if Lopez fails to appear as directed.

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READ: Zuleika Lopez among prosecution’s next witnesses in impeachment trial

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“Before any contempt citation is issued against her, she must first be given due process and the opportunity to explain why the court’s order was not followed,” he said.

Lopez was subpoenaed by the Senate impeachment court to appear on July 13 and 14 as one of the prosecution’s witnesses in connection with Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.

Article IV pertains to Duterte’s alleged assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

READ: Sara Duterte impeach trial: Subpoena served to VP’s aide Zuleika Lopez

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Although Lopez is scheduled to testify on Tuesday, July 14, Tongol said the subpoena covers both July 13 and 14 to ensure Lopez’ availability before the impeachment court should scheduling changes or other circumstances arise.

Asked next how Lopez could testify for the prosecution despite being closely associated with Duterte, Tongol said the question is better addressed to the prosecution panel.

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“If the witness is declared hostile, the party presenting the witness may ask leading questions and impeach the witness’ credibility and testimonies,” Tongol explained.

READ: ‘Prepare for Typhoon Inday,’ says Zuleika Lopez during Senate visit

Tongol also clarified that Lopez’s employment with the OVP does not automatically make her a hostile witness.

He said the prosecution must first move to have her declared as such, and the impeachment court must grant the request before she can be treated as hostile.

On Thursday, a day after the Senate impeachment court granted the prosecution’s request for a subpoena, Lopez also visited the Senate premises for what impeachment clerk of court Renato Bantug described as an “open-door meeting” on administrative and logistical matters related to her role at the OVP and the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

Bantug said the subpoena was not discussed during the said meeting. /das

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