The House prosecution panel has rejected a request by Vice President Sara Duterte's office for the Senate to cover catering expenses for her defense team during the impeachment trial.

House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin stated that the Vice President's office already has its own budget to cover such expenses, making the Senate-funded catering request improper.Garin acknowledged the defense team's right to arrange their own catering but emphasized that the prosecution did not make a similar request.

The OVP allegedly sent a letter to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian seeking approval for exclusive catering arrangements by an accredited caterer, with the Senate covering the costs.

However, the request was met with skepticism, as Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson pointed out that it could violate government procurement laws by favoring a specific caterer.Defense lawyer Michael Poa confirmed the letter's existence but noted the defense team had no role in its drafting.The dispute highlights tensions over resource allocation and procedural fairness in the impeachment proceedings.