Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero has scheduled oral arguments on September 23 regarding Senator-Judge Erwin Tulfo’s motion that the impeachment court clarify the voting threshold in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Tulfo raised concerns about absent senators, one is on medical leave abroad, another is in hiding, and two are under custody of the Sandiganbayan or the Bureau of Jail Management
“I am not seeking to lower the requirement. When we refer to all the members, who exactly are we counting? What happens if nine or more Senators are unable to vote because they are beyond the reach of the Senate during the day we cast our votes?” he explained.
Tulfo warned that if the Senate keeps 24 members as the base, then nine absences would automatically result in acquittal by default.
Escudero announced that the court will invite Amici Curiae (friends of the court) to present arguments on September 16, ahead of the oral debates. # (ZIA LUNA)
