Senate Impeachment Court Seeks Advice from Retired Justices on Voting Threshold

THE Senate impeachment court on Thursday confirmed the participation of four retired chief and associate justices to clarify the earlier ruling that upheld the 16-vote requirement for Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s conviction amid the suspension and absence of some senators. Impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol said they have secured the participation of Retired Chief Justices Artemio V. Panganiban, Reynato S. Puno, and Hilario G. Davide, Jr., who presided over the ouster trial of ex-president Joseph E. Estrada, and Retired Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna. “The impeachment court commends the prompt cooperation of these distinguished jurists. Securing their counsel marks a critical procedural milestone, ensuring that this trial proceeds anchored on verified constitutional bedrock,” Mr. Tongol said in a written press briefer. He said the appointed amici curiae or friends of the court will appear before the Senate floor on Sept. 16 to present their advisories on the threshold question. Mr. Davide will issue a legal memorandum instead of attending the discussion physically. Mr. Tongol said additional legal experts may be invited, noting that the four-man roster of justices is not yet final. Impeachment court presiding officer and Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero said during the start of the trial that the required votes to convict Ms. Duterte requires at least two-thirds of all members of the Senate as prescribed by the Constitution. Senator-Judge Erwin T. Tulfo questioned this due to the detention of Senators Rodante D. Marcoleta and Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa’s prolonged absence due to evasion of arrest, and Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda’s extended medical leave. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel