On the 29th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, the Senate impeachment court voted 13 to 1 to lower the number of votes needed for a conviction. The decision follows a motion by Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo to reconsider how the two-thirds threshold is calculated. The ruling changes the denominator to be based on how many senators are physically present on the final day of the trial.
Sara Duterte's spokesperson called the ruling unfair, describing it as a "sham." The decision means that only senators present on the final day can cast votes on whether Duterte should be removed from office. This change has sparked debate over the fairness and transparency of the impeachment process.
The trial has been ongoing for several weeks, with legal arguments and procedural motions shaping the proceedings. The lowered threshold could impact the outcome of the trial, as it may make it easier to reach a conviction. Legal experts are closely watching how this ruling affects the final stages of the process.
The Senate's decision highlights the political tensions surrounding the impeachment, with differing views on the rules governing the trial. As the trial moves forward, the implications of this ruling will continue to be a key point of discussion.
