Impeachment court alone can set conviction threshold for Duterte trial

MANILA — The impeachment court must decide on its own what number of votes will be required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon. The remarks come as questions mount over whether the conviction threshold should be adjusted due to irregular attendance by some senator-judges presiding over the trial. Ridon's statement Saturday underscores the constitutional authority vested in the impeachment tribunal to establish its procedural rules and requirements independent of outside pressure. The issue of vote thresholds has gained urgency as absences have raised questions about whether existing quorum and majority requirements remain appropriate for the proceedings. Legal experts have noted that Article XI of the Constitution grants the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, substantial discretion in managing trials, including determinations on voting procedures. The Vice President faces impeachment charges brought before the Senate earlier this year, with the trial proceedings continuing to draw scrutiny over procedural fairness and attendance requirements.