Philippine Senate lowers threshold to oust Vice President Duterte

TLE Desk: The Philippine Senate on Wednesday lowered the number of votes required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, potentially easing the process of her removal from office.

Senators voted 13-1, with six Duterte allies abstaining, that the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds guilty verdict by “all members of the Senate” applies only to senators capable of participating in the proceedings. The ruling effectively reduces the required votes from 16 to 14.

Presiding judge Senator Francis Escudero said the decision would serve as the “controlling ruling” for the remainder of the trial. Escudero, who cast the sole opposing vote, said he accepted the decision and was bound to implement it.

Duterte’s lawyers can still challenge the lower threshold before the Supreme Court. Defence counsel Michael Poa said the legal team accepted the ruling without giving up its right to appeal.

Duterte’s spokesperson Paolo Panelo accused the Senate of attempting to change the Constitution and said the move was intended to secure a conviction against the vice president.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11 over allegations including graft, corruption, bribery and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos. Duterte has denied the allegations.

If convicted by the Senate, Duterte would lose the vice presidency and be permanently barred from holding elected office.

At least four senators aligned with Duterte are currently absent from the impeachment proceedings, including two who are in prison on corruption charges. Another is outside the country for medical treatment, while a fourth is wanted in connection with an International Criminal Court warrant.

Five other senators aligned with Duterte are also facing government investigations, according to the report. President Marcos has repeatedly denied having any influence over the impeachment process.