The Senate impeachment court has summoned Zuleika Lopez, the chief of staff of Vice President Sara Duterte, to appear in her impeachment trial.Lopez was ordered to attend hearings on July 13 and 14, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into Duterte's alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Despite the summons, Lopez made a surprise appearance in the Senate on July 9, where she addressed media about preparing for Typhoon Inday (Bavi), a storm expected to hit the country.

Lopez, who was previously detained by the House committee for contempt, was present during Duterte's midnight briefing in November 2024 where Duterte allegedly discussed plans to eliminate the Marcos couple and Romualdez.

The impeachment proceedings are expected to continue next week, with the court focusing on the misuse of funds in Duterte's office and her previous role as education chief.The case highlights tensions within Philippine politics and the legal challenges facing high-profile figures.