Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian —Niño Jesus OrbetaMANILA, Philippines — This is one “objection” in the impeachment trial that can hit the defense team in the gut.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said the chamber “cannot afford” to shoulder the catering service for Vice President Sara Duterte’s staff and the lawyers for the duration of her impeachment trial.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) earlier requested the Senate, now also serving as an impeachment court, that Duterte’s aides and legal counsels be provided with food and drinks of their choosing at the chamber’s expense.
“We cannot afford it,” Gatchalian told reporters, though clarifying that the Senate had yet to formally reply to the OVP’s request. “It’s a basic issue of budget. The budget can’t [be granted] because we have expenses. We have to prioritize, of course, the budget hearings and committee hearings.”
READ: Ridon asks: Was OVP dragging Senate into procurement issue over meals?
