Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez arrived at the Senate on Thursday, one day after the Senate impeachment court issued a subpoena ad testificandum directing her to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.According to Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr., Lopez's visit was intended for an administrative coordination meeting and was not connected to the substance of the impeachment proceedings.

The discussions reportedly covered practical matters such as room assignments and staff access in preparation for her scheduled appearance before the impeachment court.Lopez declined to answer questions from reporters regarding the purpose of her visit or the subpoena issued against her.

During the third day of the impeachment proceedings, House prosecutor and Iloilo Representative Lorenz Defensor confirmed that Lopez, who has long served as a close aide to Vice President Duterte, will be presented as one of the prosecution's key witnesses next week.She is scheduled to testify on Tuesday, July 14.

Her testimony is expected to focus on Article 4 of the Articles of Impeachment, which alleges culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, and betrayal of public trust.The prosecution seeks to establish facts surrounding accusations that the Vice President made grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and members of his family, as well as allegedly incited sedition.

The defense has previously argued that Duterte's statements were influenced by Lopez's detention by the House of Representatives and her subsequent transfer to the Correctional Institute for Women in 2024.Lopez's upcoming testimony is expected to be an important part of the prosecution's presentation of evidence.