House officials dismiss concerns over lowered conviction threshold in VP impeachment trial

MANILA — House impeachment team adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers and Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. on Friday dismissed concerns raised by Vice President Sara Duterte's camp regarding a lower conviction threshold in her impeachment trial.

Duterte's office had warned that reducing the conviction threshold could allow the government to target senator-judges and potentially influence the trial's outcome. The Vice President's camp expressed concern that such a procedural change could be weaponized against those deciding the case.

Barbers and Abante countered that lowering the conviction threshold would not be susceptible to the misuse described by Duterte's representatives. The officials emphasized that the procedural adjustment was a legitimate measure within the impeachment process and would not compromise the integrity of the trial.

The exchange reflects continuing tensions surrounding the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, with both sides contesting the appropriate standards and procedures that should govern the case. The debate over conviction thresholds remains a central point of contention as the trial progresses in Congress.

The House impeachment team has maintained that its proposed adjustments are consistent with constitutional impeachment procedures and are designed to ensure a fair and efficient proceeding.