Duterte questions ex-justices’ role in impeachment thresholdsar

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday questioned the decision of the Senate impeachment court to seek the help of former Supreme Court justices on the voting threshold for her impeachment trial.

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview at a Quezon City court, Duterte said the threshold had already been decided during the early days of the impeachment proceedings and questioned why the matter remained unresolved.

“Ah, yung threshold naman, na-decision na naman sa mga unang araw ng session,” Duterte said.

“Hanggang ngayon, hanggang bago nating usapan, hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa din po nila ginagawa. Kaya pagkatapos ng usapan namin, hindi pa rin po nila ginagawa,” she added.

The Senate impeachment court is seeking guidance from former Supreme Court justices after Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo sought reconsideration and clear ruling regarding what a two-thirds majority vote is required for acquittal.

The 1987 Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of all members of the Senate to convict an impeached official. With the Senate composed of 24 members, the traditional interpretation places the threshold at 16 votes.

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero set the hearing with the amici curiae for 16 September followed by oral arguments on 23 September before a formal vote.