The Senate impeachment court plans to consult constitutional experts and retired Supreme Court justices regarding the required vote count for Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial. This move aims to clarify whether a two-thirds majority of the entire chamber is necessary, especially when some members have missed significant portions of the proceedings. Robert Ace Barbers, an adviser for the House prosecution, stated that seeking independent legal guidance is a vital step before potentially elevating the matter to the Supreme Court. While the debate over the 16-vote requirement continues, Barbers emphasized that the prosecution's primary focus remains on presenting evidence and witnesses rather than the numerical threshold. The court is scheduled to hear these independent opinions on September 16. Meanwhile, the prosecution is moving forward with the second article of impeachment, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth against the Vice President.
Source : Philippine Daily Inquirer
Photo : Philippine Daily Inquirer
