Politics · Philippines Bureau
11 votes needed to convict VP Duterte if 20 senators present
The Senate impeachment court clarified that Vice President Sara Duterte would need 11 guilty votes to be convicted if 20 senator-judges are present, reversing an earlier statement about the voting threshold.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Senate impeachment court resolved confusion over voting requirements in the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, with spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol clarifying that 11 votes are needed for conviction if 20 senator-judges participate.
Tongol's statement on Saturday walked back remarks he made the previous day, when he indicated that 10 votes would be sufficient to overturn the standing 16-vote threshold needed for conviction. The clarification addresses the mathematical requirements for securing a guilty verdict in the high court.
Under the revised calculation, a supermajority of votes would be required among the 20 participating senators to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary for conviction. The impeachment court has been handling multiple cases against the Vice President since the proceedings began earlier this year.
The Senate impeachment court operates under constitutional rules requiring a two-thirds vote for conviction in cases against sitting officials. The clarification ensures all parties understand the exact voting requirements as the proceedings move forward.