Senators urge Supreme Court to decide impeachment vote threshold for Vice President Duterte

Senators are seeking a Supreme Court decision on the vote threshold needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment case, after concerns that the 16-vote requirement may be unattainable due to inconsistent senator attendance. Erwin Tulfo highlighted the problem, while JV Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo suggested that a judicial ruling would simplify the process for the Senate. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian refrained from stating a position, pointing to the amicus curiae hearing scheduled for September 23, where constitutional scholars will be consulted.

The impeachment court intends to use the experts' input to determine the appropriate threshold. Tulfo clarified he does not want the threshold lowered, only clarified, and mentioned possible involvement of chief justices and constitutional conveners.