VICE President Sara Duterte, invoking security considerations, wants all food served to her defense team supplied by a caterer accredited by her office. In a letter to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, she also asked the Senate to shoulder the costs of the catering services of her impeachment trial defense, support staff and witnesses.
Duterte, in her one-page letter dated July 7, stressed that the request is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of the defense team, staff members, and the witnesses to ensure their full and effective participation, and support the orderly and uninterrupted conduct of the proceedings.
‘In light of the unique circumstances of the trial and the need to safeguard all individuals directly participating in the proceedings, the Office of the Vice President respectfully requests the implementation of the following arrangements throughout its duration: That all food and beverage intended for the members of the defense team, support staff and witnesses shall be served exclusively in their designated holding room,’ the one-page letter read.
Duterte has requested that all food and beverage shall be sourced, prepared, and served exclusively by the accredited caterer of the Office of the Vice President.
‘As these requirements are required solely in connection with these proceedings, the OVP respectfully requests that the Senate shoulder the reasonable costs of food and beverage and catering services for the defense team, support staff and witnesses,’ she added.