Diokno raises question on vacant seats in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA – Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno, a former public prosecutor, raised a critical procedural question during Wednesday's oral arguments in the Senate impeachment court concerning Vice President Sara Duterte's case. Diokno asked whether the court would count vacant seats left by absent senator-judges when determining whether the threshold needed for conviction has been met.

The question touches on a fundamental procedural matter: whether the number of votes required for conviction should be calculated based on the full Senate membership or only on those present during proceedings. This distinction could potentially affect the likelihood of a guilty verdict, depending on how many senators are absent during crucial voting sessions.

Diokno's inquiry was raised during oral arguments examining the technical rules governing the impeachment trial. The question reflects broader concerns about potential procedural challenges that could emerge as the high-profile case progresses through the Senate impeachment court.

The impeachment proceedings against Duterte have drawn significant national attention, with various stakeholders monitoring how the Senate conducts its trial. The resolution of procedural questions such as the one raised by Diokno could have material implications for the case's ultimate outcome.