Manila, Philippines — The Senate Impeachment court has changed its interpretation of the voting requirement needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte on the 29th day of the trial (September 23, 2026).
In a 13-1-6 vote, the senator-judges overturned the earlier ruling that required 16 votes, or two-thirds of the full 24-member Senate, to convict.
Under the new interpretation, the two-thirds requirement will be based on the senator-judges who are legally able to participate and vote when the decision is made.
Thirteen senator-judges supported Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo’s motion, while Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero voted against it.
Six senator-judges did not participate in the vote: Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Camille Villar, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, and Imee Marcos.
The issue arose because several senator-judges have been unable to participate in the proceedings, including those who are detained, in hiding, or on medical leave.
The Senate impeachment court is continuing with the trial as it considers the allegations against Duterte next week on Monday.