The Philippine Senate, acting as an impeachment court, voted on Wednesday to lower the conviction threshold for Vice President Sara Duterte. Under the new rule, prosecutors now need 14 affirmative votes instead of the previous 16 to secure a guilty verdict.
Reason for the change
The Senate ruled that only senator‑judges who are able to take part in the proceedings should be counted when calculating the required two‑thirds majority. Four of the 24 senator‑judges have been unable to participate, meaning they cannot vote.
Vote breakdown
Thirteen senators voted in favor of the ruling, while six—most of whom are viewed as allies of Duterte—did not take part in the vote. One senator voted against lowering the threshold.
Potential impact
Legal analysts say the decision could signal how the final impeachment vote may unfold, though they caution that the outcome remains uncertain. “The vote may also offer a glimpse of how the final voting could go, although nothing is assured at this time,” said Ederson Tapia, a public administration professor at the University of Makati.
Background of the impeachment
The impeachment trial follows a high‑profile rift between Vice President Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former running mate. Duterte, a frontrunner in early opinion polls, faces a ban from holding public office if convicted, which would end her bid for the 2028 presidential election.
She is accused of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening the lives of President Marcos, the first lady and a former House Speaker. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.
Legal counsel’s response
After the ruling, Duterte’s lawyers said the vice president “does not shrink from accountability, nor does she fear the outcome of this impeachment trial,” adding that her participation will be undertaken “with caution.” They also affirmed her intention to pursue all legal remedies available under the law and to seek a fair and impartial trial.
Political context
Marcos and Duterte were elected in 2022 on a joint “UniTeam” ticket, securing a landslide victory that united two of the Philippines’ most powerful political dynasties. Their alliance later unraveled amid disputes over policy, power and control of Congress.
In addition to the impeachment, the vice president faces separate criminal charges for alleged grave threats against President Marcos and his family. She has denied criminal liability and remains out on bail.
What comes next
The Senate’s decision to lower the vote threshold could make a conviction more attainable if additional senator‑judges remain unable to participate. Observers note that the outcome of the trial may influence the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election, where Duterte intends to run.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
