Sen. Panfilio “Ping” Lacson announced on Saturday that the majority of the senator-judges in the Senate majority had agreed to shift the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to the afternoon. This proposal aims to accelerate the proceedings, which have already faced delays due to the unavailability of several senators. Lacson stated that the Senate majority had convened to discuss and propose the change, with the new schedule set for Monday through Wednesday, extending into the evenings to allow for more thorough deliberations. The shift in timing comes amid ongoing discussions about the procedural aspects of the trial. Senator-judges have been debating the threshold required for a conviction, with some suggesting adjustments due to the absence of certain senators. Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon emphasized that only the impeachment court, comprising the senator-judges, should determine the voting threshold. According to Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a two-thirds majority, or at least 16 of the 24 senators, must concur for a conviction. However, Ridon clarified that the exact interpretation of this requirement is subject to the judgment of the senator-judges themselves. Ridon further explained that while the constitutional provision specifies a minimum of 16 votes, the actual application might vary depending on the circumstances. He stressed that neither the prosecution nor the defense should dictate the threshold, leaving the final decision to the senator-judges. This stance aligns with previous statements from Senator Francis Escudero, who presides over the impeachment court. Escudero reiterated that at least 16 votes remain necessary for a conviction, despite the current unavailability of three senators, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, and Rodante Marcoleta, who are either in hiding or facing legal issues. The prosecution panel, represented by the House prosecution, has expressed its support for the proposed changes. Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon confirmed that the prosecution has no objections to moving the trial to the afternoon and is willing to extend the hearings beyond regular hours. This flexibility reflects the urgency surrounding the case, as the trial has been delayed multiple times due to logistical challenges and the absence of key participants. The scheduling adjustment also raises questions about how the current quorum will function. With three senators absent, the remaining 21 members would form a quorum, allowing the trial to proceed. However, the debate over the voting threshold remains unresolved. Some lawmakers argue that the absence of certain judges should not automatically lower the required number of votes, while others suggest that the situation warrants a reconsideration of the standard. As the trial moves forward, the role of the Supreme Court has also come into focus. Ridon mentioned that any disputes regarding the voting threshold could potentially be escalated to the judiciary. This possibility underscores the complexity of the legal framework governing impeachment trials and highlights the need for clear guidelines to prevent ambiguity. With the trial scheduled to begin in the afternoon, the next phase will involve the presentation of evidence and arguments from both sides. The outcome of these proceedings will depend not only on the legal merits of the case but also on the political dynamics within the Senate. As the nation watches, the resolution of this high-stakes trial will likely shape the future of public accountability and judicial oversight in the country.
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