House prosecutor Chel Diokno clarified during Day 29 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial that the number of votes required to convict her is not fixed at 16. Diokno stated the threshold could change based on circumstances. This contradicts earlier claims that 16 votes were needed.
Diokno and Duterte’s defense lawyer Sheila Sison also disagreed over terminology. Sison argued Duterte should be called “respondent-accused,” while Diokno insisted on “respondent.” The debate highlights tensions over legal procedures and how the trial is framed.
The impeachment process has been ongoing for over a month. The trial focuses on allegations of misconduct during Duterte’s tenure as vice president. Legal experts note the debate over voting rules could influence the trial’s outcome.
The court continues to hear arguments as the trial progresses. The final decision on voting thresholds and terminology remains pending.
