The Philippine Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has lowered the number of votes required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, changing the threshold from 16 to 14 votes under the current circumstances.
The court ruled on Wednesday that only senator-judges who are legally and factually able to participate in the trial should be counted when determining the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Four of the Senate’s 24 members have been unable to participate in the proceedings.
Thirteen lawmakers supported the ruling, while one voted against it and six did not participate. The new formula means prosecutors currently need 14 votes for a conviction, although the number could change if the participation status of senators changes.
Duterte faces impeachment allegations involving alleged misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and a former House speaker. She denies wrongdoing.
If convicted, Duterte would lose the vice presidency and be permanently barred from elected office, affecting her stated intention to contest the 2028 presidential election. Her lawyers have reserved the right to challenge the ruling through available legal channels.
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