Minority Senators Boycott Vote on VP Sara's Impeachment Threshold

The Philippine Senate impeachment court has voted to lower the threshold for convicting Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, with most minority senators boycotting the vote. Thirteen senators voted against a motion by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano to defer the matter to the Supreme Court. Among the six senator-judges who voted in favor of Cayetano's move were Pia Cayetano, Christopher "Bong" Go, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Camille Villar. During a break, Cayetano told reporters, "It depends on what will be taken up," suggesting his return to the plenary was contingent on the agenda. Go and Marcos were seen not wearing their red robes. After a lunch break, Alan Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Go, Marcos, Padilla, and Camille Villar did not participate in the voting for the threshold. Senator Mark Villar was the sole member of the minority to participate and vote "yes." The Senate impeachment court has voted to lower the threshold required to convict Duterte in her impeachment trial. This decision came after the House prosecution panel and Duterte's defense team presented their arguments. On July 6, Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero ruled that the threshold needed to convict is 16, which is two-thirds of the 24 members of the Senate. However, the Constitution does not state a specific number but reads, "no [impeachable] person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members of the Senate." Four senators are currently absent. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained on charges of plunder and other related offenses due to their alleged involvement in flood control projects and undeclared campaign donations, respectively. Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa remains at large amid a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court in connection to the previous administration's bloody drug war. Senator Loren Legarda has recently extended her medical leave abroad due to a lung condition. When asked by reporters if she would still attend succeeding trials, Marcos said, "I think so, yes of course." Pressed further if the decision not to participate in the vote was discussed among them, Marcos stated, "We did not talk about it, but it was our decision." Regarding fellow minority member Mark Villar's different vote, Marcos suggested he might be dealing with something, saying, "Well, we all know what he's going through." She added, "Well, you know what's happening to the minority. We're all really taking a beating."