Senate impeachment court revisiting ‘2/3’ conviction rule
The Philippine Senate impeachment court is reconsidering the voting threshold required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. The court will hear from legal experts regarding whether the 'two-thirds' rule applies to all 24 senators or only those present and able to vote.
Why it matters
The outcome of this procedural debate will directly impact the legal feasibility of the impeachment proceedings against a high-ranking government official.
On its 23rd day of proceedings at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, the impeachment court continued its evaluation of Article I, which focuses on allegations surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte's misuse of confidential funds. - INQUIRER photo by Ni o Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines - The Senate impeachment court will revisit the voting threshold required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, with legal experts set to weigh in on the matter on Sept. 16 before the prosecution and defense present their arguments on Sept. 23.
The court's presiding officer, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, ruled to have it taken up after Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday formally asked the body to reconsider Escudero's July 6 pronouncement that a vote by two-thirds of all 24 senators - or 16 votes - is needed for a conviction.
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