13/06/2026
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MANILA, Philippines β House Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro has emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to hear the prosecution panelβs arguments regarding the number of votes required to secure a conviction in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Luistro made the statement following remarks by Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, who maintained that at least 16 votes from senator-judges would still be necessary to convict Duterte under any of the Articles of Impeachment.
According to Luistro, the issue remains a critical legal question that warrants clarification from the countryβs highest court, particularly as the impeachment proceedings move forward.
She stressed that the prosecution should be given the opportunity to present its legal position before the Supreme Court, arguing that a definitive interpretation of the constitutional requirements would help eliminate uncertainty surrounding the impeachment process.
The debate centers on the constitutional threshold for conviction, with differing views emerging on how many senator-judges must vote in favor of a guilty verdict. While Gatchalian has asserted that a two-thirds vote, equivalent to 16 senators, is required for conviction, prosecutors are seeking judicial guidance to settle the matter.
Luistro said a clear ruling from the Supreme Court would not only provide legal certainty but also strengthen public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the impeachment proceedings.
The impeachment case against Vice President Duterte remains one of the most closely watched political and legal developments in the country, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring the Senateβs next moves and any forthcoming guidance from the Supreme Court.
