UMVA has learned that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, will require 16 votes to convict Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin T. Gatchalian.
This threshold for conviction is based on Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution, which stipulates that two-thirds of all Senate members must concur for a conviction. With 24 members in the Senate, this translates to 16 votes, a number that remains fixed regardless of attendance or the composition of the chamber.
Gatchalian emphasized that the Avelino v. Cuenco case, cited by the new majority in determining the quorum, only applies to regular sessions, not impeachment proceedings. This comes after 12 senators earlier declared a quorum based on 22 members, amidst a boycott by a certain bloc.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Gatchalian has taken steps to ensure the impeachment process stays on track. He has signed a notice for a pre-trial conference and sent it to both the House prosecution panel and the defense team. Additionally, he met with the impeachment internal team to confirm preparations are underway.
The pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice-President Duterte has been scheduled for June 18. Both the defense and prosecution have been instructed to submit their pre-trial briefs, with the trial set to begin on July 6.
Gatchalian vowed to uphold the constitutional threshold of 16 votes for conviction. He assured that the process would follow the rules and that the required majority would be faithfully observed.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the House prosecution panel has prepared its pre-trial brief. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about appointing a lawyer-senator to preside over the trial, with two senators from the new majority bloc being considered for the role.
It is recalled that Vice-President Duterte was impeached by the House for a second time on May 11, with a significant majority voting in favor of impeachment. She faces serious accusations, including betrayal of public trust and violations of the Constitution.
