The Supreme Court has dismissed multiple petitions challenging the Senate’s decision to lower the vote threshold required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her ongoing impeachment trial.
In an announcement on Wednesday, the high tribunal stated that the petitions were rejected on procedural grounds, specifically citing a lack of standing and prematurity. The court has yet to release the full copy of its decision.
The petitions for certiorari were filed last week by attorneys Vic Rodriguez, Ernesto Francisco, and Berteni Causing. They sought to overturn a Senate ruling that redefined the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority. In a 13-1 vote with six abstentions, senators determined that “all members of the Senate” refers strictly to those “capable of participating.”
The interpretation effectively lowers the required votes for conviction from 16, as four lawmakers are currently unable to sit on the impeachment court: Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta remain detained on plunder charges.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa is currently in hiding due to an outstanding International Criminal Court warrant.
Senator Loren Legarda is currently overseas receiving medical treatment.
The defense strongly criticized the Senate’s threshold adjustment. Spokesperson Paolo Panelo accused the impeachment court of attempting to “change the constitution” to “manufacture a conviction” because they could not secure the standard 16 votes.
Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on May 11 on charges of graft, corruption, bribery, and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos. If convicted by the Senate, she will be removed from the vice presidency and permanently disqualified from holding public office. # (ZIA LUNA)
