Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said some senators want to revisit the conviction threshold for the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Zubiri said some senators are seeking to lower the required number of votes from the 16-vote threshold previously set for the trial.
The issue resurfaced after Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero explained the Senate’s ruling on the impeachment trial.
According to Zubiri, a caucus was held to discuss the matter amid uncertainty over the status of some senators.
Zubiri noted that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s whereabouts were not yet known, while Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta were in detention.
He said the situation prompted some senators to revisit the conviction threshold.
At the start of the impeachment trial against Duterte, Escudero said the conviction threshold would be two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, or 16 votes.
The latest discussion centers on whether that threshold should be lowered.
Zubiri disclosed the development during a press conference.
The Senate is handling the impeachment trial against Duterte, with Escudero serving as presiding officer.
No final decision on changing the 16-vote conviction threshold was stated in the report.
The Senate’s earlier ruling established 16 votes as the number needed for conviction, based on two-thirds of the 24-member chamber.
