The Philippine Senate has adjusted the rules for Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, lowering the conviction threshold from two-thirds to a simple majority. The Senate impeachment court voted 13-1 to sustain Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo’s motion to reconsider how the conviction threshold should be calculated. Six senator-judges refused to participate in the vote.
The change comes after Tulfo argued that the current two-thirds requirement made it difficult to reach a conviction. The court’s decision to adopt his motion means that a simple majority will now be sufficient to convict Duterte. This shift could significantly impact the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.
The impeachment trial has been ongoing, with various senators presenting evidence and arguments. The new rule may allow for a faster resolution of the case. However, the process remains complex, with legal challenges and procedural debates continuing.
The decision reflects the Senate’s willingness to adapt its procedures, but the final outcome of the impeachment remains uncertain. The trial will continue as the court moves forward with the revised rules.
