In a motion approved on Monday, the court ordered the Vice President to respond to the charges and directed her to appear before the Senate session hall upon notice.

“The court having been organized, and the articles of impeachment having been presented, let a writ of summons be issued to the Vice President, Sara Zimmerman Duterte, who is directed to file her answer within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt, pursuant to Article 7 of the Rules of Procedure of Impeachment Trial. She is directed to appear before the Session Hall of the Senate of the Philippines upon notice,” the court said.

The Senate impeachment court convened following the presentation of the articles of impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives.

A total of 23 senator-judges were present during the session, with Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa being the only absentee.

Under the rules of procedure, if the Vice President fails to respond within the prescribed period, the impeachment court may proceed with the trial.

Once she submits her answer, the prosecution will be given five days to file a reply.

The impeachment complaint includes allegations of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.