Sri Lanka, July 9 -- Leaders of the House of Representatives on Thursday brushed aside a remark by former Office of the Vice President chief of staff Zuleika Lopez urging the public to "prepare for Typhoon Inday" ahead of her scheduled testimony in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Lopez made the comment during an ambush interview on Thursday at the Senate, where she is expected to appear as one of the House prosecution's witnesses when the impeachment trial resumes next week.

Asked for a reaction during a press briefing, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union responded with a sarcastic quip, suggesting that it was the other side that should be prepared.

"Oo, maghanda rin sila kasi usually 'pag bagyo wala sila. ...