Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Senate Debates Voting Threshold for Conviction

The Senate impeachment court is expected to discuss on Monday the disputed voting threshold for the conviction or acquittal of Vice President Sara Duterte as her impeachment trial continues. Senator-judge JV Ejercito earlier said senator-judges are expected to hold a caucus on Monday to discuss whether the issue should be settled through a vote or by consensus among the members. The topic covers the 16 votes currently required for conviction in the impeachment. With 24 senators, two-thirds of the Senate is 16. Questions were raised if senators who are not participating in the trial should be included in the computation of the the two-thirds requirement. Among those not participating are Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are detained over separate plunder charges. Other absent senators are Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa who is in hiding amid an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, as well as Senator Loren Legarda who has been on medical leave abroad. The impeachment court earlier consulted four retired Supreme Court justices — the amici curiae or friends of the court — on the issue. Former Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban, Hilario Davide Jr., and Reynato Puno said the voting threshold could be based on senator-judges who actually participated in the trial. But Retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna said all sitting senators must be included in the two-thirds computation, except those who die, resign or are removed from office. Based on Azcuna's interpretation, 16 votes are still needed for conviction. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News